Corey Kluber gave up hit, after hit, after hit Saturday afternoon at Goodyear Ballpark, ultimately allowing 11 of them, along with 7 earned runs in 6 innings of work. He didn't issue any walks, but also only recorded 1 strikeout. He'd only allowed 3 hits (and no runs) through 4 innings, but things caught up with him a bit in the 5th, when he allowed a 2-run homer, and then caught up with him in a big way in the 6th, when he allowed 5 base knocks and hit a batter, as 5 runs scored. In his previous 2 starts, he allowed 3 runs in 4 innings and 3 runs in 4.1 innings. At least in those games though, he was striking some guys out along the way. This afternoon, he was quite hittable, and the Indians went on to lose 14-6.
Speaking of struggling mightily, on the day it was announced that he would make the 25-man roster, Vinnie Pestano couldn't get through the 8th. It went walk, single, double, strikeout, single before he was pulled. Josh Outman then came in and allowed a 3-run home run to the first man he faced. Oof.
On the bright side (if you're in the mood for one), Michael Brantley continued his hot spring, with a double and a triple; Nick Swisher had 2 hits; Elliot Johnson stole a base, and Yan Gomes nailed two attempted base thieves. The real bright side of the game is that YoDaddyWags held court in the comments of the Game Thread, and left more than 100 pieces for your enjoyment.
Kluber's day is troubling. Kluber will be the Tribe's #2 starter to begin the year, but I've lost some confidence in him over the last couple weeks, and am reminded that until last year, he was barely on the radar in terms of potential starters. That isn't to say he can't turn things back around in a short amount of time, but there are some valid reasons to feel some concern.