After the conclusion of Corey Kluber’s 18th strikeout, which marked the end of the eighth inning Wednesday night, he stood at 113 pitches thrown. Indians manager Terry Francona had been ejected, so the decision was bench coach Brad Mills’ to make. He chose to keep in mind the long-term view for Kluber and decided that the team was better served not pushing the ace any further and bringing in the closer, Cody Allen. Allen recorded a 1-2-3 ninth with a strikeout.
Francona said he would have done the same thing and defended the decision.
“I didn’t send word up to Millsy what to do.