Status uncertain: Bauer set for another checkup

TORONTO — The Indians continue to monitor the laceration on Trevor Bauer’s right pinkie finger, but there remains little clarity about his potential availability for the remainder of the American League Championship Series against the Blue Jays.

Prior to Game 5 of the ALCS on Wednesday, Indians manager Terry Francona noted that Dr. Thomas Graham — a renowned hand specialist — is scheduled to re-examine Bauer’s stitched-up finger in Toronto. Francona’s hope was that Bauer might be available out of the bullpen if the ALCS extends to six or seven games, and that the pitcher would then be able to start again if Cleveland advances to the World Series.

• ALCS Game 5: Today at 4 p.m. ET on TBS/Sportsnet/RDS

“[We want] to look and see if he’s potentially a guy that could pitch out of the bullpen later in this series,” Francona said. “I don’t know if that’s realistic or not. If it’s not, then what puts him in the best position to start another game? Hopefully, there will be one. When, how do you get there? That’s the hard part right now. Obviously, he needs to heal, but he can’t just not throw.”

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 14   CLE 2, TOR 0 Gm 2 Oct. 15   CLE 2, TOR 1 Gm 3 Oct. 17   CLE 4, TOR 2 Gm 4 Oct. 18   TOR 5, CLE 1 Gm 5 Oct. 19 CLE@ TOR TBS/SNET/RDS *Gm 6 Oct. 21 8 p.m. TOR @ CLE TBS/SNET/RDS *Gm 7 Oct. 22 TBD TOR @ CLE TBS/SNET/RDS * If necessary | All times listed ET • ALCS coverageShop for postseason gear: Blue Jays | Indians

Bauer, who cut his pinkie while repairing one of his personal drones on Thursday night, exited Game 3 of the ALCS on Monday at Rogers Centre after 21 pitches due to blood …

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