Just as we were starting to get excited about the Tribe, Trevor Bauer implodes and snaps us back to reality.

It was yet another rough outing for Bauer, who has been in a freefall for a little over two months.

Since June 1, Bauer has posted a 5.49 ERA, second worst in the AL, trailing only Detroit’s Alfredo Simon. In that span, he’s also averaging the third-most walks per nine in the AL, and has surrendered more home runs than any pitcher in baseball.

It’s been a brutal stretch for a pitcher the Indians relied on heavily during the first two months, when Bauer went he posted a 2.97 ERA through his first 10 starts.

Thursday night brought about the same issues that have plagued Bauer for much of the season, as he walked two, hit one and allowed two home runs.

On the bright side for Tribe, the offense continues to click.

It’s tough to waste a six-run night on one of Bauer’s worst outings of the season, but if the bats can keep this momentum rolling, hopefully this is just a minor setback.

Other thoughts and notes…

  • Yan Gomes is batting .381 in his last five games. He’s been one of the weak links for the Tribe all season, but if he can keep this up and return to his 2014 form the Indians offense should remain substantially more effective.
  • Chris Johnson’s double came off a 98 mph fastball from Delin Betances. Over the past two seasons, right-handed batters are batting .095 off Betances’ fastball when it tops 98 mph.
  • Johnson hit .176 against righties with the Braves this season (16-91) , but is already 7-12 with the Tribe. Obviously this pace is unsustainable, but Johnson entered this season with a .273 career average versus righties. He was certainly due for a hot streak like this, and it’s reasonable to hope he can regain his form now that’s playing everyday again.

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