Plutko allowed five runs on six hits in two innings Wednesday against the Mariners. He struck out two and didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

After firing two scoreless in his spring debut, Plutko failed to replicate that success in his sophomore start. The right-hander actually struck out the first two batters he faced and got through the first inning unscathed, but a brutal second inning did him in. He served up a leadoff homer to Daniel Vogelbach, hit two batters and allowed a double and three singles before getting out of the the frame. Plutko will look to get back on track in his next outing.

Plutko will start Saturday's Cactus League opener against the Reds, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko spent a good amount of time in the big leagues last season, but he could only muster a 5.28 ERA in 12 starts and five relief appearances. As things stand now, the 27-year-old's best chance to break camp in the big leagues is as a long reliever, as Shane Bieber appears to be the favorite to land the fifth rotation spot out of spring training. However, Pluto still figures to get some opportunities to start throughout the season if injuries crop up or if Bieber suffers a sophomore slump.

Plutko isn't listed among the Indians' probable starters for their four-game series in Kansas City to close out the regular season, suggesting he's been moved back to the bullpen.

EDGE Analysis

Though he turned in a quality start Sunday against a tough Red Sox offense, Plutko will head to the bullpen with the Indians making room in the rotation for Josh Tomlin and Carlos Carrasco after both pitched in relief in their previous outings. Since Tomlin will start Thursday's series opener on only three days' rest, he likely won't work deep into the outing. That may allow Plutko to piggyback Tomlin the game, but manager Terry Francona hasn't formally announced his plans after Tomlin exits.

Plutko allowed three earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two across six innings Sunday against the Red Sox. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko turned in his first quality start since Aug. 18, though he wasn't overly impressive, walking more batters than he struck out. After making his last appearance out of the bullpen, Plutko got the chance to start again as the Indians elected to give their top pitchers a few extra days of rest prior to the playoffs. The 26-year-old has been fairly effective in his rookie campaign -- he has a 5.21 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 76 innings -- but has struggled with the long ball, surrendering 2.4 HR/9.

Plutko will start Sunday's game against the Red Sox, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It appeared that Plutko would finish the regular season in the bullpen after Josh Tomlin returned to a starting role Sept. 14, but there will be room for both pitchers in the rotation temporarily as the Indians look to afford more rest to their top arms heading into the postseason. With Plutko added to the pitching schedule this week, Corey Kluber will be denied a two-start week and instead make his next turn Monday against the White Sox, which should keep the Cleveland ace in line to start Game 1 or 2 of the team's ALDS series. The Tribe also intends to use Carlos Carrasco out of the bullpen next Tuesday, so it's possible Plutko could be called upon for another start during its four-game set in Kansas City next weekend.

Plutko made a relief appearance in Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Tigers, working around two base hits to toss a scoreless ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko's previous five outings had come as a starter, with the right-hander turning in a 6.26 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across 27.1 innings during that stretch. While there hasn't been any formal announcement of Plutko's removal from the rotation, that appears to be a safe conclusion to draw since he hasn't started since Sept. 8. Moreover, Josh Tomlin was summoned from the bullpen to make a spot start over the weekend and is scheduled to take the hill again Thursday against the White Sox, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times. With Tomlin now looking like the Tribe's new No. 5 starter, expect Plutko to fill a mop-up role in relief over the final two weeks of the regular season.

Plutko allowed five runs on nine hits while striking out four across 4.2 innings Saturday against the Blue Jays. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko got knocked around in this one, serving up six extra-base hits -- three doubles and three homers -- before exiting with two outs in the fifth inning and an 8-5 lead. He's now allowed nine runs through two starts (10.2 innings) in September, though he does own a solid 12:0 K:BB in those outings. Plutko figures to stick in the rotation until Trevor Bauer (ankle) returns later in the month. Next up will be a home start against the Tigers.

Plutko didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Twins, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.1 innings while striking out five.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko wasn't particularly efficient, throwing 95 pitches (63 strikes) before hitting the showers, but the right-hander was still in line for his fifth win of the year before Cody Allen blew another save. Plutko will take a 4.94 ERA into his next outing Monday at home against the Royals.

Plutko (4-4) took the loss Thursday against the Red Sox, allowing five runs on five hits and five walks across 4.1 innings. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Plutko made it through four scoreless innings before running into trouble in the fifth frame. He allowed three of the first four batters he faced in the inning to reach base before allowing a two-run double to Blake Swihart. The right-hander went on to intentionally walk J.D. Martinez to load the bases before handing the ball to Adam Cimber, who proceeded to allow all three inherited runners to score. Plutko now owns a lackluster 5.09 ERA through 53 innings with the Indians this season, though he figures to stick in the starting rotation until Trevor Bauer (lower leg) is cleared to return sometime in September. Next up is a home start against the Twins.

Plutko fell to 4-3 on the season despite a quality start Saturday against the Orioles, allowing three runs (including one homer) on three hits and a walk while striking out six in seven innings.

EDGE Analysis

It was a solid performance from the 26-year-old, but he was outdueled by Alex Cobb, who allowed just two runs in a complete game. All the damage against Plutko was done in the third inning, when he allowed a three-run shot to Jonathan Villar. He allowed just a single baserunner in his other six innings. With Trevor Bauer facing an extended absence due to a lower-leg injury, Plutko will likely remain in the rotation and pitch Thursday in Boston.