Cleveland Indians Tuesday Recap: Tomlin goes 6.1 innings, allows 4 runs in 5-0 loss to Rangers

Box Score

Yesterday Carlos Carrasco allowed three runs in 6.0 innings, and today Josh Tomlin, who is the other competitor for that final spot in the rotation, allowed four runs in 6.1 innings. Tomlin faced off against the Texas regulars (including Prince Fielder, Shin-Soo Choo, and Adrian Beltre), allowing those four runs on seven hits while striking out five and walking two. If there was a tie between Carrasco and Tomlin going into Monday, I think it's still a tie, as each did ok against a good lineup.

Meanwhile the offense was held in check by Robbie Ross and the Texas bullpen. Ross went seven innings in his final spring start, striking out eight Tribe batters. Nick Swisher and Elliot Johnson both had two-hit days, with the rest of the lineup going a combined 3-for-30.

With most of the NRIs having been sent out or released, several players from minor-league camp got some playing time. Left-handed reliever Kyle Crockett, who rocketed up the system after the Indians drafted him last June (and who could make his major-league debut this season), pitched a scoreless inning in relief of Tomlin, while top prospects Tyler Naquin and Jake Lowery also got some playing time. Naquin singled in the ninth inning in his only at-bat of the day, while Lowery struck out in his only time at the plate.

Next up: the Indians host the Brewers in their home finale. Game time is 4:05 PM.