CLEVELAND -- With a rainout on Monday and no days off between this series against the Padres and a four-game set at Chicago, the Indians would have had to call a starting pitcher up some time this week. They will do that for Wednesday's second game of a doubleheader as Trevor Bauer will take the hill against San Diego.
Bauer, who was in the clubhouse before Tuesday's game, made four Cactus League appearances during the spring and had an ERA of 10.29, giving up nine earned runs in eight innings. Late in spring training Bauer started to improve after pitching in a couple minor-league games.
In Columbus' season opener last Friday, the right-hander went six innings and gave up a run on two hits. He struck out nine and walked two. It also works out because Wednesday would be Bauer's normal day to pitch anyway.
Bauer was acquired in the three-team trade in 2012 with Cincinnati and Arizona in which the major players were Shin Soo-Choo and Drew Stubbs. Bauer struggled last year as he went 1-2 with the Indians and 6-7 in Triple-A Columbus as he worked to refine his delivery.
Terry Francona says one of the biggest differences with Bauer this year is that he is doing a better job of attacking the strike zone and that he is more comfortable with his delivery.
"I think he's better situated right now and more comfortable with himself and with us," Francona said. "If he doesn't pitch the game of his life that doesn't mean he's not going to be a good pitcher. I think we all hope he does (pitch a great game)."
The situation is similar to last Wednesday in Oakland when the A's called up Josh Lindblom to pitch the makeup game. The A's were beginning a four-game series the following day against Seattle.
