Brad Hand needs the bright lights and 4 other things about the Cleveland Indians

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Sometimes players need a real deal to do what they do.

Is closer Brad Hand one of those players? He has quietly worked on Spring Training II with decent results. In his first appearance, he allowed two runs with three hits in one inning, but manager Terry Francona said he was dealing with pain in his lower back.

Hand, in his last three appearances, has allowed a run in three innings. The run came on a long home run by Josh Bell of Pittsburgh in the sixth inning on Monday night.

“I think you’re watching him increase his speed,” said Francona. “The ball is spinning very well out of her hand. She had been struggling with a low back problem for about four to five days. He went through it. Now it looks pretty good. “

He made five hand appearances at Spring Training I. He posted a 1.80 ERA in five innings. The closer fell with a tired left arm in the middle of last season and was closed from September 9 to September 20. So there is cause for concern even though he saved 34 games last year.

“To be as honest as I can be,” Francona said, “how many times did we leave spring training and Bryan Shaw had a 10.00 ERA and then the season started. I think sometimes you won’t see the real guy either in spring training or spring training 2. They need the lights on. “

No.1: final countdown to opening night

The Indians will play the pirates at PNC Park on Wednesday night in the final game of a three-game exhibition series. Aaron Civale is slated to face left-hander Derek Holland of Pittsburgh. The Indians will return by bus to Cleveland after the game.

On Thursday, Zach Plesac will launch a simulated four-inning game at Classic Park in Eastlake. Plesac was named the fifth starter on Tuesday.

The rest of the Indians will conduct a brief training Thursday night at Progressive Field.

“What I would like to do with the rest of the team is come in at 7pm and have a fast, energetic and good training,” said Francona. “You know, make the blood flow, let go of the arm, take some BP and get out of here. Because we will probably be back at 1am or 2am (from Pittsburgh). I would like them to exercise, because we haven’t had a lot of repetitions. “

The season begins Friday night with Shane Bieber facing left-hander Danny Duffy from Kansas City at 7:05 pm at Progressive Field.

No. 2: He can do a little of this, a little of that

Public service man Mike Freeman replaced César Hernández at second base after the fifth inning Monday against the Pirates. He homered in the sixth and doubled in the eighth.

Freeman did everything a public service man could do for the Indians last year, but when they traded Corey Kluber to Texas for Delino DeShields and Emmanuel Class on December 15, he was appointed to the assignment to create a space on the list. . The Indians outperformed Freeman in the AAA Columbus class and he accepted him instead of becoming a free agent.

“I told him that when he got off the list, I said, ‘Free, when you come to camp, you will be treated like the teammate you are,'” Francona said. “Don’t worry about it not being on the list.”

“I get it. I’ve been there. But I wanted him to understand how important it is to what we’re doing. And he just took that: it’s like having a veteran around. He may not have that much time in the major leagues, but his influence on the clubhouse and on the bench is really good. He deserves it. “

Freeman, Christian Arroyo, and Yu Chang have waged fierce competition for public service work.

No. 3: all that noise

What does Francona think of the music and crowd noise that has filled the empty progressive field for in-school games in Spring Training II?

“Well, it’s been very consistent,” he said, his tongue on his cheek. “That was about my biggest takeout. I’m amazed at the level of consistency. “

When asked if it was necessary, Francona said: “I don’t know. I’m not sure. We have made a little mistake. The boys have been great, be it music or crowd noise. I know I received a letter today saying it is annoying on the broadcast. It seems like lately I’ve received letters about a lot of things that annoy people. “

No.4: in closing

Tyler Naquin It was a late scratch from Tuesday’s intra-squad game due to a bruised right toe. He missed a pitch on Monday night against the Pirates. . .Delino DeShields He was in Francona’s starting lineup on Tuesday night as one of two DHs: in intra-squad games you can make up your own rules. It is the first action in the game for DeShields since she reported late to Spring Training II after recovering from the coronavirus. DeShields, who is expected to open the season on the disabled list, entered his first appearance at the plate.

New Indian face masks for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed facial liners for coronavirus protection, including a mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charities.

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