** Saturday was a good day for the Tribe as they improved to 18-12-2 in spring training games, as they topped the Texas Rangers in the two teams’ final meeting of the spring by a final score of 10-3 in Surprise Stadium.
Indians Opening Day starter Corey Kluber allowed a couple runs in the first, but settled in and ended the day allowing two runs on three hits over six innings with a pair of walks and six K’s.
Kluber, who allowed one hit in his last five innings of work, will be on the mound Thursday night in Seattle as the Indians open the season against the Mariners.
The Indians cut the lead in half on catcher Roberto Perez’ 5th homer of the spring in the 6th inning before taking the lead with a 4-run 7th, including a 2-rouble from Yan Gomes and a Rob Refsnyder sac fly.
They put the game away with three in the 8th, with Minor League call-up Hosea Nelson coming up with a two-run double, and another pair in the 9th (loaded bases in each of the last 3 frames; scoring 9 times).
No surprise in Surprise, AZ on #KluberDay!
Corey and the gang take care of business, and walk away with a 10-3 win. #TribeSpring pic.twitter.com/4E0bko7F53
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) March 24, 2018
** The last chance to see the Indians at home will take place on Sunday, as the team will take on the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear.
Josh Tomlin will toe the rubber for the Tribe in his final spring start against Luis Castillo for the Reds. The game will be heard on Indians.com.
** The Indians pen came into motion on Saturday, as the team told reliever Matt Belisle that he made the team, leaving Carlos Torres on the outside looking in.
“These are difficult decisions to make,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “I don’t think we would have made a wrong decision adding either guy.”
With Belisle making the team, the pen sets up this way: Cody Allen, Andrew Miller, Tyler Olson, Dan Otero, Zach McAllister and Nick Goody.
Torres took his opt out clause and was given his release.
Update: Carlos Torres will exercise his opt out clause and has been granted his release. pic.twitter.com/jNQ20tWo08
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) March 24, 2018
** With the pen spot decided, all that is left is the final outfield position, and that will all come down to the health of two guys that the team wants to see for sure on the big league roster, Michael Brantley and Brandon Guyer.
Guyer played in left field for the first time on Saturday.
If either or both are healthy enough to open the season on Thursday in Seattle, they will be with the big league club. If not, two guys that are in the mix to make the roster are Tyler Naquin and Rob Refsnyder.
It will be interesting to see if either or both Naquin and Refsnyder wind up with the big league club, or start the season elsewhere.
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