Cleveland Indians: Carlos Carrasco’s inspirational return

Carlos Carrasco made a rehab appearance Monday night in Akron to begin his trek back to taking the mound for the Cleveland Indians.

The Cleveland Indians had a fun off day in New York on Monday. The real action surrounding the team was in Akron.

Carlos Carrasco took the mound for the RubberDucks and proceeded to dominate in his first outing since being diagnosed with leukemia earlier this season.

Carrasco being on the mound was exciting enough in itself. Then came the actual performance where he was throwing smoke from the start.

It doesn’t look like he is going to need much time to get things going again. He is being brought back as a reliever this season, so if his velocity is already at that level he just needs to make sure he is feeling well enough for the next two months.

This weekend brought news that Corey Kluber is dealing with a bit of a setback. Yet Carrasco’s return would be an even bigger boost to the team. Or I should say will be an even bigger boost.

Carrasco has experience in the bullpen and can even end up closing if needed.

Obviously the main benefit of him returning is that he is healthy enough to play. Fans and his teammates alike are going to go wild when he takes the mound for the first time. It is truly going to be a special sight.

The velocity on his pitches shows that he is not far away from being ready to return. There is no need to rush him, but also no need to hold him back if he is ready. He can be eased into action with the Indians in order to be fully prepared for the postseason.

Carrasco has always been a fan favorite. Now he is the fan favorite.