Danny Salazar will not be on Indians’ ALDS roster

With the American League Divisional Series set to begin Thursday, the Cleveland Indians will have to set their 25-man roster for the series at some point Thursday morning, but they are expected to announce it on Wednesday. One name who will unfortunately not be on that roster: pitcher Danny Salazar. Before the team’s mandatory workout Tuesday night at Progressive Field, manager Terry Francona stated that Salazar is not ready to contribute quite yet, even if it is just out of the bullpen, per cleveland.com’s Zack Meisel. He was instead sent to the Indians’ spring training site in Goodyear, Arizona, to continue his rehab.

Danny Salazar will not be on Indians' ALDS roster. Francona: "He's not ready to pitch in a game." Could be factor for ALCS, if they advance.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) October 4, 2016

Following a first half of the season that was AL Cy Young worthy, with a 10-3 record, 2.75 ERA, and .204/.323/.613 line to opposing hitters in 17 starts, his second half of the season was almost the complete opposite. Following the All-Star break, Salazar had just a 7.44 ERA and .321/.395/.533 line to opposing hitters while having just a 1-3 record in eight starts. Something was clearly wrong with the 26-year-old, but he continued to play through his injury.

On September 12, the Indians announced that the right-hander was shut down for three-to-four weeks due to a mild strain in his throwing arm. Monday marked the three-week mark, for what it’s worth.

Over the past week or two, Salazar has thrown bullpen sessions, increasing his workload. If things continue to go well in his bullpen sessions and his arm isn’t sore following said sessions, the right-hander could return in the ALCS if the Indians get past the Boston Red Sox. While he will not be able to start again this season, Salazar could play a key role out of the bullpen, contributing an inning or two throughout the playoffs.

Just imagine if the Indians do beat the Red Sox in the best-of-five series and advance onto the ALCS. The back end of their bullpen could add Salazar to a group that includes Bryan Shaw, Andrew Miller, and Cody Allen. That ability to shorten games could be scary for opposing hitters and a key to advancing in the MLB playoffs for the Indians.