CLEVELAND — Editor's Note: The above video is the latest in our "Beyond the Dugout" series with Indians President Chris Antonetti
Cleveland Indians right-hander Aaron Civale appears to be headed to the injured list because of soreness in the middle finger on his pitching hand.
Civale's injury represents another major hit for a banged-up staff that is missing reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber due to a shoulder strain. Zach Plesac is also out of action due to a broken thumb.
The major league leader with 10 wins, Civale left in the fifth inning of Monday’s win over the Chicago Cubs.
The pitcher is scheduled to be examined by hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham on Wednesday.
“My guess is we will need to make a roster move,” manager Terry Francona said Tuesday. “Because of tomorrow’s day off, we can let him get looked at first. But I think we’re prepared that he’s going to miss some time.”
Civale had a 3-2 count on Eric Sogard with two out when he was visited by Francona and a trainer. The trainer examined Civale’s right hand before the pitcher was removed.
“He’s pretty sore,” Francona said. “He says he feels like he jammed it, which obviously he didn’t. But that’s the feeling. That’s what he said it feels like.”
Civale is 10-2 with a 3.32 ERA in 15 starts.