Former All-Star right-hander Danny Salazar will pitch for the Cleveland Indians on Thursday for the first time since 2017, manager Terry Francona said Tuesday.
Salazar will be used as a “modified opener” against the visiting Houston Astros, according to Francona, saying he is hoping to get about 70 pitches from the 29-year-old. He was sidelined at the start of last season because of rotator cuff tendinitis in his right shoulder before opting for arthroscopic surgery in early July.
Salazar was an All-Star in 2016, when he went 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA in 25 starts. He was 5-6 in 2017 with a 4.28 ERA, last pitching in the American League Division Series.
“Yeah, I mean it’s been a while,” Francona said Sunday on MLB.com. “I hope he can give us something to help us win. That’s the idea. It’s been a long road.”
Salazar made six rehab appearances over the past month, including allowing one hit in four scoreless innings at Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.
Salazar’s season debut comes as Cleveland is considering offers for starter Trevor Bauer, while waiting on the near imminent return of two injured starters: Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco.