Indians trying to get Salazar right again

OAKLAND — It was not that long ago that Danny Salazar had a legitimate case for starting the All-Star Game for the American League. Right now, the Indians would probably have second thoughts about handing him the ball if the season were on the line.

Fortunately for Cleveland, the club has a bit of a cushion atop the American League Central and there is still ample time to get Salazar back on track before the Tribe potentially punches its ticket to October. In the wake of a 9-1  drubbing at the hands of the A’s on Tuesday night, though, there was no getting around the reality of Salazar’s situation.

“We need Danny to be better,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.

The way Salazar has pitched in his past two starts, the righty sure looks like a Minor League rehab stint could have helped ease his electric arm back into the swing of things. There is no turning back now, though, and Cleveland is doing all it can to get Salazar back to where he was in the first half.

Francona and pitching coach Mickey Callaway have attempted to balance increasing Salazar’s workload with winning, and the early results have been subpar. In his return from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, the righty lasted only one inning against the White Sox before retreating to the bullpen to up his pitch count. The A’s tagged Salazar for six runs on eight hits in four-plus innings. He walked three and struck out two.

In a span of seven starts, Salazar’s …

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