You can’t afford to make a mistake if you’re a member of the Cleveland Indians’ rotation these days.
For the sixth straight game, Cleveland’s ice cold offense offered barely any support for its starting pitcher. Monday, the unlucky hurler was Zach Plesac, who once again had to operate under a razor thin margin for error. Plesac made a couple mistake pitches against the Cincinnati Reds, but that was enough to put him on the hook for a 3-2 loss.
Meanwhile, the Tribe’s bats only made a slight cameo, primarily via a solo home run from Francisco Lindor. Outside of that, it was more of what’s becoming a trademark for the Indians’ offense — an unpleasant combination of quiet at-bats and spoiled opportunities.
The Indians are now 5-6, losers of four straight and desperately seeking anyone who can provide impact hits.
Here are a few more observations from Monday’s defeat.
Casey Drottar is a Cleveland Indians writer for Sports Illustrated. Subscribe to his podcast, or follow him on Twitter and Facebook