CLEVELAND -- With the All-Star teams being announced on Sunday, the discussion of who is on the roster bubble has been ramped up for the past couple days. Because of the Indians first-half struggles, Corey Kluber is likely to be one of many whose spot is not assured.
Kluber, who is 7-6, is sixth in the American League in strikeouts (127) and innings pitched (117 1/3) along with being 10th in ERA (2.99). The right-hander will start Sunday's finale of the three-game series against Kansas City and would go again on Friday against the White Sox, meaning he would be eligible to pitch in the Midsummer Classic on July 15.
During his pregame remarks on Friday, Terry Francona said he didn't want to single any of his guys out publicly for consideration but did say that Boston's John Farrell, who is managing the American League, did ask for opinions on Kluber.
Said Francona of Kluber: "This year I think he's taken it to another level. He's been very consistent. And doing it for a long period of time, people notice."
Michael Brantley is all but assured of an outfield spot while Lonnie Chisenhall might have an outside shot.
Francona has managed the All-Star Game twice and will be a part of Farrell's staff in two weeks. The one thing he is happy about is that he gets to experience it this year without being a manager. Francona also knows that due to the rules and one player from every team making it, almost all of the roster decisions are out of the manager's hands.
"There's so many things going on and you're trying to appease everybody. And now the game counts, it makes it that much harder," Francona said. "Because you still feel an obligation to try to play as many guys as you can. They've got microphones in the dugout and guys getting interviewed. But the game still counts -- and that puts an added pressure on the manager."
SOLD OUT: About 90 minutes before first pitch, the Indians announced that Friday's game was a sellout, which is the third one this year.
ON THE FOURTH: The Tribe is 88-74 on July 4 and their .543 winning percentage is sixth best among active American League teams. The Royals are second at .568 (25-19).
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