By Anton Krieger
The Cleveland Indians managed to clinch a spot in the playoffs this season despite overcoming plenty of adversity.
The season began with trade talks surrounding MLB superstar and hometown favorite, Francisco Lindor. Due to ownership not offering Lindor “the right amount,” the team may lose their all-star shortstop when his contract ends in 2022.
Additionally, the Indians manager, Terry Francona, had to leave the team in late August to have gastrointestinal surgery. Francona has not come back from the surgery and is reported to miss the rest of the regular season.
Just a few days after Francona left the team, the Indians dealt with some major league drama that resulted in the trading of Cy Young candidate, Mike Clevinger. While the team gained some exciting prospects, they did not make themselves any more playoff ready. The 29-year-old ace was taking heat from teammates including Adam Plutko after attending a party on Aug. 8 with fellow pitcher Zach Plesac, a direct violation of the Major League Baseball’s COVID-19 protocol.
“They hurt us bad,” said Plutko.“I’ll let them sit here and tell you how they’re gonna earn their trust back. I don’t need to put words in their mouths.”
Only two weeks later the Indians had an eight-game losing streak. This streak was nearly 10% of their season and made their playoff seed come right down to the wire.
Through plenty of season adversity, the Indians managed to clinch number 4 seed after defeating the Chicago White Sox in a sweep and Pittsburgh Pirates at home this past week. The Indians will host the Yankees tonight at 7 p.m. at Progressive field to start off the American LeagueWild Card series.
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