Tomlin, who has struggled at times this spring in his effort to lock down the fifth starter spot, received a vote of confidence from manager Terry Francona, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Josh makes sense for a number of reasons," said Francona. "His first three outings here haven't been what he wanted. We saw how he pitched (last year). As long as he gets close to that, we feel he can really help us. He can do anything, but our preference is for him to start. Handling April can be challenge for pitchers and hitters. Just the way he carries himself, he does a pretty good job of handling himself no matter what is thrown at him."

EDGE Analysis

The Indians plan to use their fifth starter sparingly in the first few weeks of the season due to the schedule so Tomlin's ability to bump back and forth between a starting and relief role figures to work in his favor as well. He has to be considered as the favorite among TJ House and Cody Anderson at this point.