Indians tentatively schedule rookie Merritt for Game 4 start

The Cleveland Indians have their starter for Game 4 of the ALCS - assuming their Game 3 starter does his job first.

Manager Terry Francona announced Monday that rookie left-hander Ryan Merritt - who has just five big-league appearances to his name - will start Tuesday's Game 4 as long as Trevor Bauer performs in Game 3. If Bauer runs into trouble on Monday and the bullpen is needed, ace Corey Kluber would be given the ball on three days' rest instead.

Should Kluber be needed in Game 4 Merritt would instead be given the ball at the start of a potential Game 5 on Wednesday afternoon.

Merritt, a 16th-round pick of the Indians in 2011, made his big-league debut this past May and posted a 1.64 ERA in four appearances and one start this season. The 24-year-old has yet to pitch in the playoffs.

Kluber shut out the Blue Jays over 6 1/3 innings in Game 1 on Friday. After his win in Game 1, Francona expressed a willingness to start the former Cy Young winner on short rest if required.

The Indians have been forced to scramble for starting pitching help behind Kluber, Bauer, and Josh Tomlin during the playoffs after starters Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco both suffered injuries in September. Salazar's been out with a forearm issue but threw a simulated game in Toronto on Sunday night and could be nearing a return should the Indians advance. Carrasco saw his season end after a comebacker fractured a bone in his pitching hand.