Cleveland Indians Sunday news: A look at the starting pitchers

Indians News

Shaun Marcum's comeback with Cleveland Indians takes turn for the good | cleveland.com

Paul Hoynes details the last couple years in Shaun Marcum's professional career. If you look at his baseball-reference page, you'll see that he hasn't pitched in the majors since 2013, and only briefly in the minors. This story article fills in the blanks about what Marcum's injuries were, where he rehabbed, about how he thought seriously of retiring until returning home. Because he hasn't pitched regularly since 2013, Marcum is ticketed to Columbus no matter how well he does this spring. This quote encapsulates his attitude this spring:

"I don't want to end on an injury," said Marcum. "I want to take the uniform off on my own."

The DiaTribe: A Dream of Spring on a Lazy Sunday

Fresh off finishing his top prospect list, Al looks at the major-league club and its chances in the AL Central. Although everyone is optimistic this spring (well, except Phillies fans), the Indians seem to have the players in place to contend for, and perhaps win, the AL Central. The rotation is going to play a big part in any playoff push, and this year they'll need Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco to put together a full seasons' worth of good starts behind Corey Kluber, who almost has to take at least a tiny step back compared to his magical 2014 campaign.

Kluber solid as Indians finish strong vs. Dodgers | indians.com

Speaking of Kluber, he made his 2015 Cactus League debut yesterday against the Dodgers. He allowed a run in three innings and looked good on the mound. Zach McAllister did not look good, allowing four runs in three innings. The Indians are still using McAllister as if he'll start the season in the rotation, which makes sense given that now's the time to stretch him out, but I really think he's destined to start the season as a setup man in the bullpen.

In this afternoon's game against the Rangers, TJ House and Josh Tomlin will pitch. Those two, unlike McAllister, have options remaining, so unless Gavin Floyd's "general soreness" turns into something serious, both will begin the 2015 season in the Columbus rotation.

MLB News

Darvish has UCL sprain, could need surgery | MLB.com

Speaking of the Rangers, they got some terrible, awful, horrible news yesterday: Yu Darvish has a UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) sprain in his throwing elbow and could be headed for Tommy John surgery. Since his US debut, Darvish has been among the top starting pitchers in the game, and was going to key if the Rangers were to bounce back from an injury-plagued (and that's putting it mildly) 2014 season.

Sale progressing, but not there yet | MLB.com

Chris Sale still hasn't pitched yet, but his right foot seems to be recovering on schedule. Sale injured the foot while getting out of his truck, and not only was it a freak injury, it happened at the worst possible time, as the month of March is crucial for starting pitchers to get ramped up for the rigors of the regular season. Even if everything goes perfect, he probably won't be able to make Opening Day,