KEY POINTS

  • Red Sox taking go-slow approach with Chris Sale
  • Yankees lose 2 starters to injury, suspension
  • Elbow problems sideline six AL starters

American League clubs are looking to improve this year but some bad news are already coming from their pitching staff.

According to MLB News Now, Cleveland thinks Emmanuel Clase could be out of action for about 8 to 12 weeks. An MRI revealed a moderate strain of the teres major muscle in the 21-year-old yesterday. Who is he, you ask? Clase is the main investment Cleveland Indians accepted when the team traded Corey Kluber to the Rangers, according to multiple sources.

Although Clase has only had a cup of coffee in the majors, his sinker has been clocked at more than 100 mph. He was expected to break camp with the team and contribute to the Tribe’s bullpen. He is thought of as the Indians' future closer.

Meanwhile, Cleveland's ace Mike Clevinger underwent surgery Feb. 13 to repair a partial tear in his left meniscus. He is expected to miss the first two weeks of the season.

Chris Sale
The Boston Red Sox have finally discussed with Chris Sale a potential contract extension. Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after his team's 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/Sean M. Haffey

Boston’s Chris Sale won’t be ready for the opening day either. The hurler’s recovery from shoulder surgery was reportedly going well. Pneumonia has pushed Sale approximately two weeks behind the schedule of the remainder of the team’s starters, according to CBS Sportsline.

New York’s Luis Severino has Tommy John surgery yesterday. He is out for the season. Severino pitched just 12 frames, starting three games, due to a rotator cuff injury in 2019 after signing a four-year, $40 million deal extension a year ago.

Elbow injuries will force the A’s Daniel Mengdan (April 21), Chicago White Sox starters Dane Dunning (May 1) and Carlos Rendon (Aug. 1), Minnesota’s Rich Hill, (June 10) and Detroit’s lost Michael Fulmer (July 1), to miss the start of the season.

An oblique strain will force Angel Justin Anderson to miss opening day. Seattle’s Austin Adams is still recovering from right knee surgery to repair his torn ACL. He is not expected to be back until June.

The Yankees will also be without Domingo German. He was 18-4 last year, but is serving an 81-game suspension imposed by Major League Baseball for domestic abuse. German served nine games last year and the postseason.

Former Astros top prospect Francis Martes will miss this season. The reliever missed half of last year and will miss 2020 for a Boldenone violation.

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