Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco faces live hitters for first time since leukemia diagnosis

Ameer Tyree

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco faces live hitters for first time since leukemia diagnosis image

Carlos Carrasco could be nearing a return to MLB.

The Indians pitcher decided to step away from his team in July after being diagnosed with leukemia but faced live hitters for the first time in over a month on Friday. The 32-year-old right-hander threw to players on Cleveland's Single-A affiliate.

If Carrasco's arm remains in good shape, he'll make a rehab appearance and pitch an inning for Cleveland's Double-A affiliate Monday.

Carrasco's initial goal of returning by the end of July didn't pan out, but Indians manager Terry Francona thinks he's trending in the right direction.

"It's a huge boost to him," Francona told reporters Friday ( via the team's website ). "Even if this is all he did the rest of the year, you could see how excited he was to do it. That gives us a lift in itself. If it gets to the point that he comes back and helps us pitching, great. But just the fact that he's on the mound and you see him smiling, that's good in itself."

Carrasco has a 4-6 record this season and has posted a 4.98 ERA in his 10th year with the Indians. The team has the third-lowest team ERA (3.67) in MLB and solid form from Carrasco could make its rotation even more formidable.

Cleveland has had a good year and its 73-50 record leaves it just 1 1/2 games back from the AL Central-leading Twins. Adding another arm to the mix could be a huge plus for the remainder of the year.

 

Ameer Tyree