Corey Kluber won't be back on the mound anytime soon.
The 33-year-old right-hander has been diagnosed with an internal oblique strain and will be shut down from throwing, the team announced Tuesday. Kluber will be re-evaluated in two weeks and his time frame to "return to game activity is to be determined."
Medical update on RHP Corey Kluber pic.twitter.com/RFgj4ZGOcq
— Tribeinsider (@tribeinsider) August 20, 2019
Kluber suffered the injury during a rehab start with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers last weekend and left the game after just one inning. He was reportedly scheduled to throw 75-80 pitches in the matchup but instead threw just 20, walking a pair of batters without giving up a hit or a run.
Kluber has not appeared in an MLB game for Cleveland since he was hit by a line drive and broke his arm against the Marlins on May 1.
Here's the play of Corey Kluber getting hit in the arm by a line drive. Kluber has left the game and we will pass along any updates. pic.twitter.com/WE55U3p9sU
— SportsTime Ohio (@SportsTimeOhio) May 2, 2019
Kluber, a two-time Cy Young winner, holds a 2-3 record and a 5.80 ERA in seven starts this season.
The Indians entered play Tuesday leading the American League wild-card race with a 74-51 record. They trail the Twins by two games in the AL Central.
Cleveland moved Trevor Bauer — who was sent to the Reds — at the trade deadline in a three-team deal and received a package centered around Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes in return.