The Indians on Tuesday agreed to terms with starting pitcher Josh Tomlin on a two-year contract extension. The deal also includes a club option for the 2018 season.
Tomlin, 31, was already the likely front runner for the No. 5 spot in the rotation ahead of lead challenger Cody Anderson. This extension furthers his cause.
“I think that’s the plan,” Indians General Manager Mike Chernoff said when asked if he envisioned Tomlin being in the Opening Day rotation. “He’s obviously pitched out of the bullpen before, so he is going to play a meaningful role on the team and he’ll have every opportunity to be in the starting rotation.