Josh Tomlin is having a rough week.
On Sunday, he was optioned to Columbus after failing to win a job in the Tribe’s starting rotation. On Friday, he learned that he would miss three to four months after undergoing shoulder surgery.
| Josh Tomlin Career Stats | |||
|
Year
|
W-L
|
ERA
|
IP
|
|
2010
|
6-4
|
4.56
|
73.0
|
|
2011
|
12-7
|
4.25
|
165.1
|
|
2012
|
5-8
|
6.36
|
103.1
|
|
2013
|
0-0
|
0.00
|
2.0
|
|
2014
|
6-9
|
4.76
|
104.0
|
Tomlin started for the Clippers in a spring training game on Monday but reportedly complained of shoulder pain after the game.
It’s the second time in the last three years that Tomlin will miss significant time due to injury. Tomlin missed the majority of the 2013 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery late in 2012.
This is disappointing news for the Tribe, as Tomlin would likely have been the first starter recalled from Columbus if another arm was needed on the major league staff early in the season.
After a miserable spring, Danny Salazar was the first starter demoted to the minors, likely due to some mechanics issues that need to be worked out. But due to Tomlin’s injury, he may need to be rushed back if the Tribe is in need of another starter.
Fortunately for the Tribe, Shaun Marcum informed the Indians earlier this week that he would accept an assignment to Columbus. Marcum missed the entire 2014 season due to injury. When he failed to make the major league club he had the option to look elsewhere for opportunities, but he has chosen to report to minor league camp with the Clippers.
Salazar and Marcum now become the top candidates to step into a starting job, along with reliever Anthony Swarzak, who made the major league club in the bullpen but started four games for the Twins last season.
The starting pitching depth is getting rather thin, and this worries me.
Agreed. I know Tomlin has been the source of a lot of frustration among Tribe fans, but if you view him for what he is (a 5th/6th starter with the ability to consistently pitch 6-7 innings) he’s extremely valuable over the course of a season.
Tomlin hit the wall last year towards the end for sure, but as a replacement starter had an ERA under 4.00 for his first eight or so starts. He’s limited, yes, but useful.