Weekly Wroundtable: Debating Shaun Marcum’s Future As the Cleveland Indians’ Fifth Starter

May 25, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shaun Marcum (38) delivers in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Shaun Marcum is the Cleveland Indians’ fifth starter now, for better or for worse. The veteran right-hander has posted a 6.28 ERA at 16 strikeouts in 14.1 innings, which include two starts and a relief appearance. Marcum appeared out of bullpen in mid-April and was stellar, but a roster crunch meant he was designated for assignment. Luckily for the Tribe, he cleared waivers and was able to pitch in Columbus until the team needed him in Cleveland.

His first start was brilliant, and Marcum looked exactly like the fifth pitcher the Indians needed. After T.J. House struggled, Zach McAllister went to the bullpen, and Bruce Chen retired, the Tribe’s fifth spot was in need of a quick makeover. But Marcum’s outing on Monday wasn’t nearly as brilliant, as the Rangers crushed him easily. With such contrasting outings, it’s hard to tell exactly which is the “real” Marcum. He’d been pitching well in Triple-A, but then again, so had Bruce Chen.

With that in mind, the Wahoo’s on First team tackled this question:

After watching his first two starts, do you think Shaun Marcum will last as the fifth starter?

Everyone knows that two starts are not enough to make a decision, but because of his veteran status, Marcum has a lengthy pitching history that makes it easier to guess how he might perform going forward.

First up, those who are wondering what other options the Indians have.

Next: Marcum Needs Time, Because There's No One Else