Cleveland Indians v Toronto Blue Jays

Indians right-hander Corey Kluber, 2-0 this postseason, could start Game 4 on short rest against Toronto on Tuesday in the American League Championship Series. The Indians lead the ALCS, 2-0.

(Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

TORONTO - Manager Terry Francona is considering starting Corey Kluber on short rest in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday at Rogers Centre. The Indians lead the best-of-seven series, 2-0, over Toronto.

Kluber opened the ALCS on Friday by throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a 2-0 win by the Indians. He combined with Andrew Miller and Cody Allen on a seven-hitter.

Francona said a decision hasn't been reached yet, but a lot will depend on how Trevor Bauer does in Game 3 on Monday. Bauer missed his scheduled start in Game 2 after suffering a 10-stitch cut on the little finger of his right hand while working on his drone.

When Francona announced his rotation for the ALCS, he said rookie Mike Clevinger was "penciled in' to start Game 4. But it's possible that Francona might need Clevinger in Game 3 if Bauer doesn't get deep into the game or develops a problem with his finger.

"I want to sit down with Mick (Callaway, pitching coach)," said Francona. "I'm pretty convinced Kluber could do it pretty seamlessly. But it's not just that, it's how does it affect everybody else.

"I want to walk it through with Mickey to make sure we have everything covered. Like I said I think Kluber can handle it fine. Again, until Trevor pitches it's going to be hard to lay out (a plan).

"It depends on how Trevor looks . . .if he's himself."

If the Indians win Game 3 and have a chance to eliminate the Blue Jays in Game 4, would Francona go for it by starting Kluber?

"If we're winning, we're going to try to win," said Francona. "I think people get too carried away with what could happen tomorrow. I think if you have a chance to win, you try to win because you might not have the lead tomorrow.

"If you go for a game that you're winning, and you don't win it, and you don't have somebody the next day, you know what - that's the way it goes."

Bauer started Game 1 of the American League Division Series against Boston on Oct. 6. He allowed three runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in the Tribe's 5-4 win.

Kluber is 2-0 in the postseason. He has not allowed a run in 13 1/3 innings.

If the Indians started Kluber, who has never pitched on short rest, in Game 4, they could start Clevinger in Game 5 or pitch Josh Tomlin on short rest in Game 5. Tomlin beat the Blue Jays in Game 2 on Saturday.

If they don't start Kluber in Game 4, he could start Game 5 on regular rest with Tomlin starting Game 6 and Bauer Game 7 on full rest. If Kluber starts Game 4, there's a chance he could come back again on short rest in Game 7, if necessary.