MLB playoff teams devastated by late-season injuries

The Cleveland Indians were the latest club to clinch a division and engage in the merriment that comes with it, defeating the Detroit Tigers for the American League Central title on Monday and then retreating to the visiting clubhouse at Comerica Park for a champagne-fueled celebration.

As the playoffs approach, however, teams like the Indians are finding that covering their lockers with plastic to shield it from bubbly isn’t the only precaution they should take in this final week of the regular season.

Encasing their players in bubble wrap might be wiser.

Before the Indians could celebrate, they saw a third pitcher succumb to injury, as Corey Kluber exited the 7-4 win over the Tigers after just four innings with a right groin injury.

If you’re counting, the Indians will open the AL Division Series eight days from now. Kluber, their undeniable ace and a Cy Young Award candidate, was expected to take the ball.

Now, the Indians will fret about how Kluber feels this afternoon, if his drive leg will be affected, if if his arm will have to be built up after a possible layoff.

And if any team could not afford to lose its ace, it was the Indians.

No. 2 starter Carlos Carrasco is already out, with a broken right hand suffered when he was struck by a line drive. No. 3 starter Danny Salazar is already out, with a strained forearm tendon.

And now Kluber, the 2014 Cy Young winner and AL leader in Fielding Independent Pitching?

Can the Indians win the AL pennant with a rotation of Tomlin and Bauer, And Pray for Some Showers?

“We've had some challenges thrown at us, but so has everybody else," said manager Terry Francona. "We've managed to get this far and now we get to play more baseball."

They will get to play. For how long depends largely on Kluber. They’d already penciled in Josh Tomlin and Trevor Bauer behind him; if Carrasco and Salazar are healthy, those guys aren’t in the Division Series rotation.

Now? Are you ready for Mike Clevinger, who’s made nine major league starts and has a 4.65 ERA in his first 15 big league appearances?

At least the Indians are an AL club, and can carry 11 to 13 pitchers should they feel the need to piggyback another starter or long man with Clevinger.

The Washington Nationals have no such luxury. Already missing No. 2 starter Stephen Strasburg, their bigger concern now may be fielding an everyday lineup.

Right fielder Bryce Harper? He suffered a thumb injury Sunday, and while X-rays were negative and he’s expected back this week, hitting with power while addled by a bum thumb is, shall we say, sub-optimal.

Second baseman and NL MVP candidate Daniel Murphy? He has not played since Sept. 20 due to a buttocks injury. He is expected to be ready when the NL Division Series commences on Oct. 7 – but facing Clayton Kershaw after not seeing live pitching for 18 days is far from ideal.

Then, there is catcher Wilson Ramos. He came down awkwardly after leaping for a throw home Monday and was helped off the field, unable to put weight on his right knee.

An MRI is scheduled for today. Ramos had that knee’s ACL and MCL mended by two surgeries in 2012. Brace for the worst, Nationals fans.

Of course, attrition goes both ways. The Dodgers once again had to skip No. 2 starter Rich Hill’s outing on Sunday due to a blister that limited him to just five (mostly excellent) starts since acquiring him Aug. 1. He’ll have one more start, Friday at San Francisco, but the Dodgers could be inclined to keep him in a more controlled environment until then.

Given how this stretch drive is unfolding, a rubber room might be the best setting.

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