Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from their 2-1 win over Detroit

The Cleveland Indians are over .500 for the first time this season because of Josh Tomlin dealing, and a surprise home run from none other than Roberto Perez.

Jose Ramirez got things going in the first, knocking one over the wall in left field and giving the Indians an early lead. Perez broke the tie in the 8th as Andrew Miller and Cody Allen did what they do best, giving the few fans who braved the frigid temperatures a win.

Tomlin bounces back

After what was essentially the worst performance of his career, many questions circulated Josh Tomlin the past week.

Fans called for his dismissal, which is excessive, although so is eight runs in three innings. It eventually came out Monday that Tomlin was struggling with a back issue.

But Tomlin must’ve been feeling better as he redeemed himself in the eyes of Tribe fans. He went 5 scoreless innings and lowered his abysmal 24.00 ERA down to a more manageable 9.00.

Related Story: Josh Tomlin must be better this time around

Tomlin won’t go out and be a world burner, but it’s his steady anchor at the fifth spot in the rotation that has quietly helped contribute to this pitching staff being one of the best in the majors.

Roberto Perez was the difference

Roberto Perez was the difference in tonight’s game. Let me rephrase that: Roberto Perez was the difference in a non-2016 World Series Game One baseball game.

Perez is tremendous behind the dish, it’s his entire value to this team. His defense as a catcher has been great for this Cleveland Indians team over the past few years.

While his hitting has seemingly improved since his beginnings with the team, the idea that Roberto Perez hit what turned out to be the game winning home run in a game is mind boggling and just further highlights the shortcomings of the rest of the offense.

Still, Kudos, Robo.

What’s wrong with Tyler Olson?

Tyler Olson is very, very good at what he does. Before this season he had not given up a run in a Cleveland Indians uniform, or 30 appearances. He had not given up a run since April 2016.

Olson gave up two runs in the two-thirds of an inning he saw in his debut. Tonight, when he came on to protect a 1-0 lead, he gave up another run in just a third of an inning. That now puts Olson at a shaky 6.23 ERA.

Now, of course going an entire season without giving up a run is in no way sustainable. Olson is nasty on the mound, wielding a curveball that looks unhittable at times and there’s no doubt that he will be fine.

He was even solid in two appearances a piece against the Angels and the Royals, not giving up a single hit in his 3.1 innings of work.

Next: Corey Kluber remains on another level

But surely Tribe fans can’t help but yearn for the Tyler Olson of old. The Tyler Olson who makes batters look foolish. The Tyler Olson who comes in and decides the opposition just won’t score anymore. That is the Tyler Olson we all wish for.