CLEVELAND -- The suspense about who will be the Indians new fifth starter is over as Terry Francona announced before Saturday's game against Chicago that Josh Tomlin will take the hill on Tuesday against Minnesota.
In Tomlin's recent outing last Thursday, the right-hander pitched a complete-game, three-hitter with no walks and 10 strikeouts as Columbus defeated Durham 3-0. Tomlin, who has tossed 20 consecutive scoreless innings, is 2-1 on the year with a 2.06 ERA.
Bauer went into Saturday's start against Durham with a 3-0 record and 1.40 ERA. The open starting spot was created when Carlos Carrasco was moved into the bullpen after struggling in his four starts.
Said Francona about the decision: "Josh's last two outings have been really good, Tuesday is his day to pitch and we want to keep our guys on their day. He pitched so well in spring training that it will be good for him (to be called up). He'll help us win and at some point Trevor will too. Fortunately they are both pitching well."
The Indians will have to make a corresponding roster move before Tuesday's game, which will likely involve sending Nick Hagadone back down to Columbus. Hagadone was called up on Saturday when infielder Elliot Johnson was designated for assignment. Hagadone is 1-2 with a save and a 3.79 ERA in 10 appearances for Columbus this season.
With Hagadone's arrival, the Indians have nine relievers but that will only be for three games.
Johnson, who committed two errors in Friday night's 12-5 win over Chicago, was just 2 for 19 in the seven games where he saw action. With Jason Kipnis on the disabled list, Jose Ramirez and Mike Aviles will split time at second. Ramirez will get the start in Saturday's game.
"Last night had nothing to do with it," said Francona of the decision about Johnson. "We explained to him that we needed a starter on Tuesday and when Yan's wife had the baby it bumped it up three days and we thought it put our team in the best position. I think all along we hoped we could keep Elliot whether he hit or not. His job was more to play every position. We never really got quite into it where we could utilize him a lot but we also knew at some point we might not be able to carry that guy."
Yan Gomes was also placed on the paternity list Saturday after his wife, Jenna, delivered the couple's first child Brooklyn Mae. Players can be on the paternity list up to three days. George Kottaras was called up to take Gomes' place but like Hagadone his stay in Cleveland might be temporary.
