Tribe puts trust in Tomlin for possible clincher

CLEVELAND — Josh Tomlin spent the first half of the season as a big part of the Indians’ pitching staff. By the end of August, he was barely hanging onto his spot in their rotation.

It wasn’t easy for Indians manager Terry Francona to do, but Tomlin took it. They talked it out over cards, then went to work on getting him better.

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 6   CLE 5, BOS 4 Gm 2 Oct. 7   CLE 6, BOS 0 Gm 3 Oct. 9 4 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 4 Oct. 10 6 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 5 Oct. 12 6 or 8 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS *- If necessary | All times listed ET • Division Series start time scenarios • Red Sox vs. Indians ALDS coverageShop for postseason gear: Red Sox | Indians

“You can’t always tell players stuff they want to hear,” Francona said Saturday on the eve of Game 3 of the American League Division Series (Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, TBS) at Fenway Park. “But that in no way took away our respect for JT, we were just trying to help. And we talked through it for a while, and we talked again, and then an hour later, after he threw his bullpen, he came in like he always does. …

“He may not have 15 years in the league, but he’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever seen since I’ve been in baseball. And with guys like that, they deserve that respect, and he’ll always have that.”

As the Indians prepare to try for a sweep of the Red Sox, they need Tomlin, maybe more than ever. Part of that, of course, is due to Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar both being injured. But the way Tomlin pitched in September, they can feel good about using him.

Teams that have taken a 2-0 lead have won 46 of 53 Division Series, …

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