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Francona doubts Salazar will return for ALCS

Rick Osentoski / USA Today Sports

Despite some optimism on the return of Cleveland Indians starter Danny Salazar, manager Terry Francona touched on the right-hander's status for their upcoming American League Championship Series matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays.

When asked if Salazar had a chance to make the ALCS roster, Francona told reporters Wednesday "I don't think so, I really don't."

"I don't think he's progressed to that point. He's doing pretty well, but he's not back to throwing all his pitches or letting it go at 100 percent."

"If we asked him to do that, he might be reaching right now. We've been pretty vocal about the first priority being about getting him back healthy. I think this proves it."

Earlier in the week there was some optimism Salazar could return when bench coach Brad Mills said it was "a possibility" that he'd be ready in time for the ALCS which starts Friday.

Salazar has been out since Sept. 9 with a mild strain in his right flexor musculature, although he was scheduled to pitch a simulated game this week to help determine if he would make the ALCS roster.

Cleveland announced their ALCS rotation Monday, with ace Corey Kluber taking the mound in Game 1, followed by Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin.

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