Indians’ bullpen prepared for any scenario

CLEVELAND — It is impossible to simulate an October environment. Over the final six weeks of the regular season, though, the Indians dealt with a series of rotation issues that pressed their bullpen into duty early and often. The group was tasked with more high-intensity innings that anyone could have anticipated.

It is no secret that bullpens can play an integral part on the postseason stage. Look no further than the Royals of recent Octobers to see how far an overpowering relief corps can take a team. Given the way things went down the stretch for the Tribe, manager Terry Francona’s bullpen army is more than prepped for what could be coming.

Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 6 8 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS Gm 2 Oct. 7 4:30 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS Gm 3 Oct. 9 4 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 4 Oct. 10 TBD CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 5 Oct. 12 TBD BOS @ CLE TBS *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Red Sox | Indians • Complete Postseason coverage

“I doubt any other bullpen is more prepared,” Indians relief ace Andrew Miller said, “for that mentality of going out there and expecting to have to cover seven or eight innings. Ideally, our starters pitch well and pitch deep. But, there might be some days where we have to use everybody out there.”

The Indians, who will host the Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Thursday (8 p.m. ET, TBS), ended the regular season with a league-leading seven games that included at …

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