Following today’s 5-1 win in Minnesota that clinched the Indians’ first playoff berth in six years and secured the #1 Wild Card spot for them, manager Terry Francona confirmed that 23-year-old rookie Danny Salazar will start the one-game playoff on Wednesday at Progressive Field.

Danny Salazar will start the wild card game. "They trust me, and that makes me feel confident with myself," he said. #Indians — PatMcManamon (@PatMcManamon) September 29, 2013

Salazar has started 10 games for the Indians this season, going 2-3 with a 3.12 ERA, allowing 44 hits, 15 walks, and 65 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched. For his last three starts, Salazar had his crippling pitch count removed which allowed him to go deeper into games.

With Ubaldo Jimenez throwing today, it took him out of the running for starting the game. However, it allows him to slot in for Games 1 and 5 of the Division Series, should the Indians win and advance on Wednesday. In addition, Corey Kluber would be available on more than regular rest for Wednesday as well as Zach McAllister. I also wouldn’t count out Justin Masterson piggy-backing Salazar’s effort to get to the back end of the bullpen in a tight ballgame.

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