SP Kelvin De La Cruz: Hit hard in loss
by Chuck Murr of IndiansInk.net, October 7, 2009 at 11:28am ET
Kelvin De La Cruz Profile
Kelvin De La Cruz gave up six runs in three innings as the Indians lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 10-0, in the Arizona Instructional League.
De La Cruz opened the 2009 as one of Cleveland's brightest pitching prospects, but missed most of the season with an elbow injury.
The 21-year-old was on the fast track, compiling a 21-15 record with 263 strikeouts in 275 1-3 innings entering 2009.
He opened the year with a 2-0 record in two starts, allowing six hits and two runs over 12 innings with 19 strikeouts and only two walks at Class A Kinston before getting hurt.
The lanky left-hander spent three months rehabbing, then worked in three games for the Indians' team in the Arizona League, going 0-2 with a 9.39 ERA.
The Indians will be very careful with De La Cruz, who has the potential to be a fine starter in the majors. He's got a good fastball and exceptional breaking pitch. Even in his poor performance against the Dodgers, he topped out at 92 mph and averaged 90 mph for his 54 total pitches, making 10 first-pitch strikes to 17 men faced.
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