GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- After setting a career high for innings pitched last season -- even before the Indians' deep postseason run -- it was a no-brainer to bring along Josh Tomlin slowly this spring.
Tomlin, however, looked sharp on Thursday as he made his 2017 Cactus League debut against the Angels. The 32-year-old right-hander gave up three hits and struck out one in 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a 5-4 loss at Goodyear Ballpark.
"With it being his first time in a game, we were really pleased," manager Terry Francona said.
The plan was for Tomlin to pitch three innings, but he was so economical that Francona sent him out to start the fourth.