AKRON – Danny Salazar made a generally positive impression in the first of three scheduled rehab starts for the Double-A Akron RubberDucks.
Facing the Bowie (Md.) Baysox on July 11 at Canal Park, Salazar gave up one run on two hits in 2 2/3 innings. He posted two strikeouts and issued one walk on 46 pitches, 27 of them strikes.
The 29-year-old right-hander and 2016 American League All-Star is trying to rebound from arm and shoulder injuries that have kept him sidelined since Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Yankees on October 9, 2017.
“I’m glad to be back in Ohio and glad to be back in the game,” said Salazar, who has been working out at the Indians’ year-round training complex in Goodyear, Ariz.
Salazar (0-1, 3.38 ERA) took the loss as the Baysox posted a 3-0 victory in the opener of a four-game series. His fastball topped at 94 mph and sat at 92 mph. His breaking ball varied from 82 mph to 88 mph.
“The arm felt good, really good,” Salazar said. “The main thing now is how I feel between (appearances). It’s working really good now. I’m excited.”
Salazar set down the side in order in the top of the first and second innings. He faltered in the top of third inning, however, giving up a one-out double to Willie Yahn and a two-out RBI single to Cedric Mullins.
The plan was for Salazar to throw 50 pitches and a maximum of three innings. When his pitch count hit 46 after the RBI single, Akron manager Rouglas Odor summoned reliever Jared Robinson.
“From the stretch, it felt like I was rushing a little bit,” Salazar said.
Beyond that, Salazar was all smiles about his return to the mound in the ballpark where he spent parts of the 2012 and 2013 seasons while making his climb through the Indians’ farm system.
Barring a change in plans, Salazar will make starts for the RubberDucks in Erie, Pa. on July 16 and against Binghamton in Akron on July 21.
“I’m confident right now and happy,” Salazar said. “The road has been really long for me. I’ve been in Arizona for 18 months.”
It appears the Indians are positioning Salazar as a starter.
“I want to be a starter. I’ve been a starter my whole career,” Salazar said. “But I just want to get back to the major leagues, whether it’s starting or relieving.”
Signed as a non-drafted free agent in July 2006, Salazar in all or parts of five seasons with the Indians is 36-33 with a 3.82 ERA.
Nolan Jones, the No. 2-rated prospect in the Indians’ organization according to Baseball America, made his debut for Akron on July 11 after his promotion from advanced Single-A Lynchburg.
The 21-year-old third baseman was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. He was selected by the Indians in the second round of the 2016 draft out of high school in Pennsylvania.
