What’s the deal with Edwin Encarnacion’s slow start?

Yuck. Not much more I can say about that game last night. While it’s definitely still too early to panic, it’s hard to not be disappointed by this start to the season. But a win today puts the team back at .500 with a chance to take some momentum into the Detroit series.

White Sox 10, Indians 4

Michael Martinez was the Tribe’s most effective pitcher last night

Recaps: Let’s Go Tribe | Indians.com | It’s Pronounced ‘Lajaway’

Indians news & notes

What happened to the $60 million swing? Cleveland.com

Edwin Encarnacion is struggling. Struggling in April is typical for him, but his numbers so far are worse than usual. He knows he needs to make adjustments, and he’s working on them daily. (note: this article has the most hilariously minimal explanation of why RBI is not a very useful stat).

X-rays negative on Kipnis’ left hand after HBP | Indians.com

Jason Kipnis gave everyone a scare during a rehab game on Wednesday when he was hit in the hand with a pitch. Fortunately, things look fine aside from a big ol’ bruise. He’s expected to play another rehab game in Akron on Saturday.

Francisco Lindor, home run king? | Cleveland.com

Spoiler alert: nah. But there’s some pretty worthwhile insight here from assistant hitting coach Matt Quatraro and Frankie himself.

Let’s be honest, Abraham Almonte deserves to stay | Burning River Baseball

It was a bit of a surprise to to see Tyler Naquin sent down and Almonte kept on the major league roster, but it’s probably a good move. His bat is definitely a better fit given Naquin’s inability to hit the high heat, and god knows his defense is better.

News from around baseball

• Carlos Correa’s agent says Correa won’t do a multi-year deal; this does not bode well for a potential Lindor extension
• With pace of play on everyone’s minds, Fangraphs examines the value of a huge time waster: mound visits
• Kyle Schwarber had a great catch robbed by that stupid ivy at Wrigley (note: suck to be you)
• In another reminder of how meaningless the first few weeks of the season are, the Reds’ bullpen has been fantastic