corey kluber

After numerous injuries throughout the season, the Cleveland Indians narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing the year at 93-69.

Where does the team go after a disappointing season? On the latest edition of Leading Off, Ryan Lewis and Dan Kadar break down the future of the team.

That began this week with the team picking up the option on starting pitcher Corey Kluber while turning them down for second baseman Jason Kipnis and reliever Dan Otero. After starting just seven games in 2019, Kluber will rejoin a packed starting rotation. 

The loss of Kipnis could lead to a domino effect in the infield where Jose Ramirez moves from third base to second. There are also questions about the outfield where Yasiel Puig is a free agent, and where the Indians want to try Franmil Reyes in right field. 

The overarching storyline for the Indians for the next two years, though, will be what happens with superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor. Is it too early to consider what the Indians will do with the All-Star? 

There are also some thoughts on Yu Chang and Bobby Bradley fit in the offense, how the outfield could shape up now that Bradley Zimmer is back and much more.

In his last three games, Cleveland Indians closer Brad Hand has allowed five runs and eight hits in three innings. As the Indians continue to push for the playoffs, is it time to be concerned about Hand's effectiveness? 

Before we get there on this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we cover these topics: 

- The Indians are coming off their toughest stretch of games this season, winning a series against the Twins, losing a series to the Red Sox and splitting a series with the Yankees. Ryan gives his thoughts on how the team played over the stretch and what we learned about the team, especially when it was without Yasiel Puig in the middle of the batting order.

- Corey Kluber suffered a setback in his latest rehab start, exiting the game after an inning due to an abdominal strain. What does this mean for his comeback? And if Kluber does return to the Indians this season, which starter is at risk of losing his spot in the rotation?

- Carlos Carrasco is also starting to work his way back. We explain that while it's a great story, be hesitant with your expectations for the starter.

- More with Hand: We wondered, do the scars of Indians closers past taint the public opinion of Hand? 

- Ryan explains the pitch that Hand has faltered on, and what could be the cause of his recent struggles.

With the All-Star Game in the rear view mirror, and the second half well underway, the Cleveland Indians will soon face a major decision. Baseball's July 31 trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Indians have to decide whether they'll be buyers or sellers. That is, unless they manage to be both.

On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we re-assess what direction the Indians could go later this month. If the Indians are acquiring players, we discuss the position they could target, and a couple specific players who could be in mind.

That's not all on this week's show. Here's what else we covered:

- Some final thoughts on a memorable All-Star Game in Akron. 

- Health updates on players like Corey Kluber and Danny Salazar.

- If Salazar makes his way back to Cleveland, where he could help the most.

- The struggles of rookie Bobby Bradley, and if he could potentially be sent back down to Triple-A if he doesn't improve.

On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we look back on the injury to Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber.

Ryan gives us an update on how the Indians will manage their starting rotation while being without Kluber and Mike Clevinger. That got us talking about a few related topics, including Cody Anderson's dreadful Sunday start, why Dallas Keuchel isn't in the team's plans and Clevinger's progress.

Ryan also gave his opinion on whether or not it's actually good that Kluber is out after struggling at the beginning of this season.

We also talked about the slow turnaround for third baseman Jose Ramirez. His batting average is finally at .200 after Sunday's game. There's some explanation for why his hitting is starting to improve.

Matt Stroup and George Bissell run down a wide range of recent trends for starting pitchers and hitters, including what to make of the Mike Minor renaissance (a career-high 13 strikeouts on Saturday night), and the ongoing struggles of aces ranging from Chris Sale to Corey Kluber to Jacob deGrom. Also on this episode — we look at what could be a very lofty home run ceiling for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. this season, and consider the upside of other young middle infielders including Carter Kieboom, Hunter Dozier and Michael Chavis.

Matt Stroup and Nate Grimm look at a wide range of fantasy news, including the outlook for struggling right-handers Aaron Nola, Yu Darvish and Corey Kluber — and just how concerned we should be in each situation. Plus, the return of Gregory Polanco and the arrival of Cole Tucker in Pittsburgh, and what to expect from each of them going forward. Also on this episode: Nate makes the case for adding Jerad Eickhoff in Philadelphia, and paints an optimistic picture for Julio Urias as the dynamic young left-hander heads to the bullpen.

Matt Stroup and Ryan Boyer break down a number of recent performances and headlines, including Corey Kluber carrying a 6.16 ERA through his first four starts of the season. Is it time to panic, or an ideal opportunity to buy low in fantasy leagues? Meanwhile, there's cause for optimism on Jose Quintana and Zack Wheeler, who both threw gems recently after rough starts to their seasons. Plus, what to make of some notably hot hitters — including Austin Meadows (four homers last week) and Brandon Lowe of the Rays — while our weekly hunt for saves takes us to the NL East after the injury to David Robertson. All that and much more on this episode, and you can check out Ryan's Hot Hitter Rundown on Rotoworld right here.

The Kansas City Royals finished off a weekend sweep of the Cleveland Indians after another bad start from pitcher Corey Kluber.

On Sunday, Kluber pitched just 2 2/3 innings, walking five and allowing six runs. In three starts, Kluber has now only pitched 12 innnings over three starts while giving up 11 earned runs.

On this week's edition of Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we talk about Kluber's slow start to the season and what may be causing it.

We also talk about where the Indians standing after the sweep by the Royals. The Indians suddenly went from surviving while they wait for Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor to come back to struggling.

That survial mode is over, though, in part because the Indians called up veteran outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.

We also talk about Brad Miller being designated for assignment -- and being unhappy about it -- while the Indians hang on to Eric Stamets and Max Moroff.

The show this week closed with some thoughts on how the Indians will cope with the loss of starting pitcher Mike Clevinger.