Tomlin Stepping Up
When the Cleveland Indians broke from spring training this year, many people questioned why Josh Tomlin didn’t make the Major League roster. Instead of Tomlin making the roster, RHP Carlos Carrarsco was chosen, since he didn’t have the option of starting out the season at Triple-A Columbus like Tomlin did. He was eventually called up when RHP Danny Salazar was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.When Tomlin was in Columbus this year, his numbers showed he deserved a shot at the Majors. In 5 games, he was 2-1 with a 2.057 ERA and logged 35 innings and recorded 28 Ks. Josh Tomlin hasn’t had the easiest road to make it to this point in his career.
On August 21st, 2012, Tomlin underwent Tommy John surgery; the surgery forced him to miss the rest of the 2012 season and all of the 2013 season. Before the surgery Tomlin wasn’t doing very well, with a record of 5-5 and a 5.45 ERA. Coming back from Tommy John isn’t an easy process to go through, and May 6th, was the first time he pitched in a Major league game since the surgery. He went 6.2 IP, allowed 1 ER on 4 hits, and struck out 4. The start really boosted his confidence, and showed that he recovered well, and was finally starting to pitch well.
Tomlin is a great guy to have in the rotation. He isn’t going to record a lot of strikeouts, but at the same time, he doesn’t walk many guys.Tomlin has only walked 5 batters in his 7 starts this season. His fastball is usually between 87-91 MPH, but he has the nasty 75 MPH curve ball that will get guys out. If he has good command that game, he will get deep into games and usually only allow a few runs.
Tomlin is finally stepping up this year. He is now 4-2 with a 3.12 ERA. If he continues to pitch well, that will be another guy that the Tribe can count on every 5 days. The pitching is key for the Indians, it has to stay consistent, because it’s been proven, the offense won’t stay consistent all year. The Indians will go as far as their pitching takes them. Tomlin is really starting to prove that he can make a positive impact on this rotation and really boost the strength and depth of the rotation.
