CLEVELAND -- Everybody knew that Josh Tomlin would be in the Indians' rotation at some point this season. Not many expected it to be in early May but with the struggles of Carlos Carrasco, Tomlin's time has arrived.
Following a dominant month in Columbus, the right-hander takes the hill on Tuesday against Minnesota. When the Indians decided to put Carrasco in the bullpen last Monday, Zach McAllister pitched last Wednesday in Anaheim on three days rest. With an off day last Thursday, the Indians didn't need that spot again until Tuesday.
"Initially it's not the best news that you hear but during the course of the year you understand there is more need than just five guys in the rotation," said Tomlin, who wasn't available in the clubhouse but supplied a couple comments through the Indians baseball information staff. "Putting in the work down there was the best thing to happen to me."
After undergoing Tommy John Surgery on his right elbow in Aug. of 2012, Tomlin spent the first four months of last season rehabbing before appearing in 10 minor-league games with eight starts beginning in late July. He was called up in September and worked two scoreless innings of relief against the White Sox on Sept. 12.
During spring training, pitching coach Mickey Callaway said that Tomlin had impressed him the most but with Carrasco out of options and Tomlin having one remaining, the Indians were going to go with Carrasco. Meanwhile, Tomlin was able to settle into the Columbus rotation and went 2-1 with a 2.06 ERA with 28 strikeouts and nine walks.
"Getting those first couple starts under your belt and getting out there and facing hitters on a consistent basis, I didn't do that all of last year," Tomlin said. "It was understanding what my body wanted to do and understanding my elbow is healthy and attacking the strike zone. The last couple starts have gone well. I was able to locate the ball where I wanted to."
Tomlin has tossed 20 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to April 18. On Monday, he was named the International League Player of the Week after a complete-game, three-hitter last Thursday at Durham.
The Indians are hoping that Tomlin can return to the form that he showed in 2011, when he went 12-7 and was seventh in the American League in WHIP.
"Josh had a pretty good spring and for what I think are the right reasons we wanted to see Carlos pitch. You know going into the year you need more than five starters and if you clear the cupboard to make sure you are set for Game 7 of the World Series on Opening Day you are not going to keep your organization healthy," Terry Francona said. "Josh had an option. We tried to figure out a way to keep Aaron Harang. You want to keep depth knowing you are going to need it."
What the Indians do to make room for Tomlin remains to be seen. Michael Bourn, who has missed the past two games due to his left hamstring, will run on the field on Tuesday before they make a decision.
Cleveland has lost two straight and are 2-2 on the current homestand.
