Josh Tomlin rocked in Cleveland Indians 10-4 loss to White Sox

There’s no need to get too upset folks. It’s a long, long season. But, but, but.. it’s been a pretty lousy start to the year for Josh Tomlin.

After giving up six runs in his season debut last weekend against Arizona, Tomlin was in need of some good vibes and some clean innings in game three of the Tribe’s series against the White Sox. However, I’m here to tell you there were no good vibes or clean innings for the ol’ Cowboy tonight.

Yep, that’s not good. Tim Anderson, the White Sox leadoff hitter, jumped on the first pitch of the game, an 87 mph meatball right down the heart, and snuck it over the wall in left field. After a Melky Cabrera single to left, Tomlin got a Jose Abreau fly out and Cody Asche ground out, and there was some hope of getting out the inning down just one run. Nope. Avaisail Garcia singled and Matt Davidson promptly smoked an opposite-field three-run home run to put Chicago up 4-0.

Tomlin would go on to give up five runs in the first inning and another two in the second inning before getting the hook. His final line of seven earned runs on eight hits in just 1 and ²⁄₃ innings cranks up his small-sample size ERA to 18.47. Please pitch better next outing Josh.

We can dig deep and find a few positives at least. Shawn Armstrong relieved Tomlin and worked around some jams to keep the game from being a ridiculous blowout. Armstrong struck out five in 2 and ¹⁄₃ innings, but threw 49 pitches and I’m guessing he’s a candidate to be shipped off to Triple-A Columbus to get some fresh arms out in the bullpen for the weekend series. Too bad.

Another positive was Michael Brantley’s first MLB home run since 2015, a smash to right field in the fifth inning. Brantley finished the night with two hits, as did Yandy Diaz, and Abraham Almonte, while Jose Ramirez had three hits. Yeaaaa positives!

Finally, everybody’s favorite, Michael Martinez pitched. Not only that, he pitched a scoreless inning. This dude can do it all.

The Indians open a three-game series with the Tigers Friday evening, as Trevor Bauer matches up against lefty Daniel Norris. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM. Let’s Go Tribe!