MESA, Ariz. (AP) – Danny Salazar breezed through his first outing for the Cleveland Indians. No extra adrenaline from facing the Chicago Cubs. No interest in revisiting the World Series.
Just another day at work.
Salazar pitched two crisp innings, and Cleveland and Chicago played to a 1-1 tie in spring training on Sunday.
“I was just trying to work on my fastball,” said Salazar, who allowed one hit and struck out three. “Trying to work down on it and the first guy that I face, it was a walk. But after that, just trying to relax and try to get my tempo back.”
The Indians battled injuries for much of last season, but still won the AL Central and made it all the way to the World Series. Then they won three of the first four games against Chicago, but the Cubs rallied for their first title since 1908, winning in the 10th inning of Game 7.