Indians' Salazar throws simulated game, could return during World Series

Cleveland could be getting a boost

The Indians are up 2-0 over the Blue Jays in the ALCS, having received exquisite pitching performances from Corey Kluber, Josh Tomlin, and their high-leverage relievers. Yet Cleveland's staff could be getting even better in the coming week if the Indians advance to the World Series.

That's because right-hander Danny Salazar threw a simulated game on Sunday -- a sign he's inching closer to returning from the forearm strain that sidelined him in September, per MLB.com:

"He's doing pretty good," Indians manager Terry Francona said recently. "He's not back yet where he's throwing all his pitches or letting it go 100 percent. I think if we ask him to do that, he might be reaching right now. We've been pretty vocal about [how] the first priority is getting him back healthy."

It's unclear whether Salazar would return in a starting or relief role, but the Indians' bullpen depth would presumably allow them to ease him back into things -- and three or four innings of Salazar is almost certainly preferable to the same from Mike Clevinger. At minimum, Salazar would represent another filthy relief option for Francona to deploy in the late innings.

Long story made short, the Indians are good, and might be getting better just in time for the World Series.