There are obviously more drawbacks than benefits when it comes to an abbreviated 2020 baseball season.
One benefit for the Cleveland Indians, though, is that a delayed start allows reliever Emmanuel Clase to fully heal from the back injury he suffered in spring training.
Both Clase and fellow bullpen prospect James Karinchak have important roles this summer, so having them at full strength whenever the season kicks off is important for Cleveland. Along with each pitcher getting more big league experience, Karinchak and Clase can also provide the Indians much needed clarity when it comes to current closer Brad Hand and his 2021 option.
Again, this is under the assumption a 2020 season takes place. Should it not, Cleveland’s closer situation suddenly becomes much murkier.
Casey Drottar is an Cleveland Indians writer for Sports Illustrated. Subscribe to his podcast, or follow him on Twitter and Facebook