Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from the sweep of the Twins

We take one final look back at what was the a much-needed sweep by the Cleveland Indians over the Minnesota Twins to begin the week.

The hot takes were flowing on April 16. The Cleveland Indians had just dropped to 5-7 after a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers, one day after a 13-6 win proved the offense did indeed exist.

But as with most April hot takes, the heat died down when the Indians turned it around and picked up three wins over the Minnesota Twins. It was supposed to be a four-game series, but a postponement made it three, so we are going to call it a sweep.

The team finally came together and provided a collective winning effort, and several things stood out.

1. Tomlin and Bauer turned it around

Josh Tomlin and Trevor Bauer didn’t exactly start the year all that great. Both had two losses in their first two outings, and compiled double-digit run totals.

That changed in Minnesota when Tomlin went six strong innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and picking up the win. The run support was there from the offense, but his efficient outing was what stood out.

Bauer followed that up with a 6 1/3 inning performance Thursday afternoon, allowing two runs and striking out seven. Both pitchers had moments where it looked like a collapse was imminent, but they were able to reverse the early-season struggles and pick up victories for their team.

2. Edwin Encarnacion is beginning to heat up

The Edwin Encarnacion hot takes were among the hottest of them all last week. Some fans expected him to show up and immediately hit 40 home runs in April, even though he has not been a fast starter in the past.

He didn’t have a great series in Minnesota, but he did pick up a hit in all three games, including a home run and four RBI in that span.

Fans must realize that as long as Encarnacion is seeing the ball well, which it appears he is now when watching the games against the Twins, the power numbers will come. The most important thing for him to do is limit the strikeouts, but that is also a symptom of it being so early in the season.

3. This team will be just fine

It’s easy to panic about poor performances in April, but the Indians are still clearly one of the best teams in baseball. The first homestand of the year was disappointing, but turning around and picking up a sweep on the road shows fans that losses don’t linger too long with this group.

Next: Who will be left out in the outfield?

The Indians are now 8-7, which is good for first in the AL Central. Things can change as the season progresses, but no one should be even remotely worried about this team right now. Add in Jason Kipnis and this team is only going to get better.