Indians' Kluber open to starting when it 'gives us the best chance to win'

Before knowing the New York Yankees would be traveling to Cleveland, the Indians announced that Trevor Bauer will draw the start for Game 1 of the ALDS.

The move may seem curious on paper since Corey Kluber exists, and may be the eventual Cy Young winner. The decision, however, wasn't randomly tossed together, and Kluber is on board with the direction, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.

"They explained the thought process behind it. It was thought out," Kluber said. "I don't think it's something they just threw together over a couple drinks one night. My response was I'm willing to pitch when you feel like gives us the best chance to win."

The strategy is two-fold. If the Indians get out of the series quickly, Kluber doesn't get overworked. On the other hand, if the Yankees push the series to the brink, Kluber will line up to pitch Game 2 and Game 5 on normal rest. They're electing to have their most dominant starter available when (or if) the series is on the line.

Team president Chris Antonetti said as much. He wants to avoid pushing Kluber too much too quickly.

"At some point we may ask him to do that if we're fortunate enough to advance," Antonetti said. "But, to expect him to do that in the Division Series, Championship Series and World Series, if we get there, I don't think that's a fair expectation."

It makes sense, in theory. Across 29 starts, Kluber went 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA while striking out 265 batters in 203 2/3 innings. He was worth 7.3 WAR, according to Fangraphs, second only to Boston's Chris Sale.

But it's also worth remembering that giving the ball to Bauer is not akin to forfeit. He went 17-9 with a 4.19 ERA while striking out 10 batters per nine innings. Starting in Game 1 is a vote of confidence, but one at least partially backed up by results, even if they aren't as sterling as Kluber's.