Civale carves up Tigers in debut

Associated Press

Cleveland

Aaron Civale didn’t get much sleep before his major league debut.

The 24-year-old right-hander looked wide-awake once he got to the mound.

Civale dazzled, striking out the side to begin the game and allowing just two infield hits over six innings to pitch the Cleveland Indians to a 2-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.

Civale left with the baseballs from his first pitch, first strikeout, the final out of the game and the lineup card. He also felt a wide array of emotions.

“Pretty much every one you could think of,” he said. “Nerves, joy, a lot going on. Got about 15-20 people in the stands, traveling pretty far away to come out here, so it’s a pretty special day.”

Civale was called up from Triple-A Columbus when outfielder Leonys Martin was designated for assignment. He made a spot start because Mike Clevinger is on the injured list with a sprained ankle.

Civale struck out six, walked three and worked out of a sixth-inning jam. He walked Nicholas Castellanos and Miguel Cabrera with two outs, but Brandon Dixon fouled out to first baseman Carlos Santana.

Civale was told on Thursday that he was coming to the majors. He’ll likely be sent back to Columbus because Clevinger is expected to return this week.

“I’m up here to help the team as long as they have me up here,” he said.

Civale’s brother, Nic, made last-minute plans to fly in from Hawaii. He also had relatives from Boston, Connecticut and Oklahoma in attendance.

Jose Ramirez had an RBI triple in the second while Oscar Mercado added an RBI single in the third.

Tigers starter Spencer Turnbull (3-7) allowed two runs in six innings.

Brad Hand allowed two hits in the ninth, but picked up his 22nd save in 22 chances.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Indians: RHP Corey Kluber (broken right arm) could begin throwing next week if scans on his arm show the bone is continuing to heal properly. Kluber was hit by a line drive May 1.

HEADED NORTH?

First baseman Bobby Bradley, who leads the International League with 21 homers, wasn’t in the lineup for Columbus on Saturday and could join the Indians soon.

Asked about Bradley before the game, Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said, “It’s exciting to think about Bobby’s future. At some point we expect that he’ll be here to help us.”

UP NEXT

Tigers: LHP Daniel Norris (2-5, 4.40 ERA) will make his eighth career appearance against Cleveland in the series finale today.

Indians: Plesac (2-2, 2.56 ERA) held Texas to one run and two hits over seven innings last Tuesday.