2. The Bad (and Some Good) in Salazar’s Slow Start
Throughout his seven starts this year, Salazar has struggled early.
Coming in to Tuesday’s game, he had an ERA of 9.00 in innings 1-2, but that number dropped to 2.49 in innings 3-7.
What made this game different is the fact that he never seemed to find his footing after giving up an early run in the second inning on a homer from Colby Rasmus. He gave up three more homers; one to Derek Norris in the third and two to Corey Dickerson in the third and the fifth innings.
When all was said and done, Salazar gave up 4 home runs in five innings of work, a new career high. It was the first time any Indians pitcher gave up four home runs since Corey Kluber did it in 2015 against the Red Sox. The five home runs the team gave up was a season high number as well.
The one bright spot in Salazar’s performance is the fact that he still struck out nine batters. His 62 strikeouts this season are currently the third best in the American League. Salazar is currently averaging over 10 strikeouts per nine innings, which is good for third best in the AL and seventh best in MLB.
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