Trades in late July are a standard part of baseball, as all players know, but that doesn't mean they don't still hit home for close teammates.
After Justin Masterson was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday afternoon, the Indians showed their camaraderie for their departing teammate with his signature style, high socks.
"They all really cared for [Justin Masterson]," SportsTime Ohio reporter Katie Witham said.
One guy almost didn't know about it though -- and it was only the one who ended up being the star of the night.
"No one let me know about it so I had to run in here and change after I warmed up," starter Corey Kluber said.
The high socks worked plenty well for Kluber as he pitched a dazzling complete-game shutout in the Indians' 2-0 win over the Mariners.
Kluber's battery mate, Yan Gomes, said the fashion statement wasn't just about honoring Masterson.
"I feel like it's more to just change things up," Gomes said. "We need to make a couple moves forward with how close we are in the race. I guess pants up is one of them."
Their win over AL Cy Young candidate Felix Hernandez is certainly a step in the right direction. The Tribe is currently one game under .500, 6 1/2 games out in the AL Central and five games back of the second AL Wild Card.
