Indians name Kluber starter for first game of World Series

CLEVELAND — Indians ace Corey Kluber will start Game 1 of the World Series against the Cubs.

Manager Terry Francona said Sunday that he will go with Kluber, an 18-ame winner during the regular season, in the opener on Tuesday night. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 0.98 ERA in his first postseason.

Francona has right-handers Trevor Bauer and Josh Tomlin penciled in for Games 2 and 3, respectively. The order could change depending on how Bauer’s injured right pinkie heals over the next few days.

Bauer’s start in the AL Championship Series lasted less than one inning after his pinkie began bleeding against Toronto. He injured his finger when he sliced it open while repairing a drone.

Also, injured starter Danny Salazar could be available against the Cubs. Salazar hasn’t pitched since Sept. 9 because of forearm tightness but he’s made major progress in the past week and could be on the World Series roster.