The Tribe played their first game of Cactus League action away from Goodyear on Friday, travelling to Camelback Ranch to face Chicago. Cleveland failed to grab their first win of Spring Training, but tied the White Sox 5-5. The Tribe is now 0-2-2 in four games.
Here are five notes from the draw.
1. Bauer Power
Trevor Bauer made his first start of Spring Training and showed how much of a power pitcher he is.
He struck out two batters in two innings, but also allowed two home runs. At least each of the bombs were of the solo variety.
So far in the first four games the only starting pitcher who has been untouched is Cody Anderson. Bauer, Danny Salazar, Josh Tomlin, and T.J. House all struggled in their first outings.
Carlos Carrasco and Corey Kluber have yet to appear in a game in Arizona this Spring.
2. Middle Relief Pitchers Looked Good
Austin Adams and Kyle Crockett are two guys who Tribe fans should expect to see in Cleveland, working seventh and sometimes eight innings.
The pair went back-to-back shutout innings. The Tribe was leading 5-3 when Adams came in to work the seventh inning. The right-hander gave up one hit, but did not issue a walk or allow a run, striking out one.
The southpaw, Crockett, came in for the eighth inning. Crockett worked a 1-2-3 inning, striking out one.
Unfortunately for those two, Adam Plutko blew a two-run lead in the ninth, resulting in the game finishing in a tie. Don’t worry, if this is the first time you’ve heard of Plutko, you’re not alone.
3. Kipnis Hitless
Friday was Jason Kipnis’ second appearance of Spring Training. He went 0-for-3 on the day, making him hitless in five at bats so far.
Nothing to worry about, but it is somewhat of a surprise, considering he hit .303 in 2015.
4. Roberto Perez off to a Hot Start
The Tribe’s backup catcher, Perez was in a good zone on Friday. The right-handed hitter went two-for-two against Chicago with an RBI double.
Perez is now 2-for-4 in two games of Cactus League play.
5. Jose Ramirez: Third Base Candidate?
Utility man, Ramirez made his second start of Spring Training, playing third base. The switch-hitter has started both games at the hot corner.
He went 0-for-2, drawing a walk and committing an error in the field.
Ramirez played third base only 13 times out 97 games played in 2015, but maybe manager Terry Francona wants to give him a shot to become the everyday player there. Juan Uribe and Giovanny Urshela would both be considered to be ahead of him in the depth chart, but it is curious that a versatile player like Ramirez would make two starts in the first four games at third base.
The Tribe is back at it again on Saturday afternoon at 3:05 PM ET, as they return to Goodyear to host the San Francisco Giants.
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