Day 1: Carrasco itching to get back to action

CLEVELAND -- Carlos Carrasco was so eager to get back on the rubber that he built a pitcher’s mound just outside the front door of his house in Florida.

“If you've known Cookie for five minutes,” outfielder Tyler Naquin said, “you know that's something that he would do.”

It’s been a long, challenging year for the 33-year-old Carrasco. Exactly 12 months ago, he released to the public that the blood condition that had put him on the injured list was a form of leukemia. He had already informed his coaches and his teammates on June 4 of last season that he’d have to step away from the game to receive treatment. Now, just one year later, he’s itching to get back into the Indians’ starting rotation.

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“A year ago, I was giving the news to my teammates and everyone,” Carrasco said. “But right now, I feel so happy that I [fought] through this because I love to play baseball. I had some ups and downs, but I was really strong to do everything. I’m allowed to do everything. I worked so hard to get to this point right here. I feel fine. I just want to get back to the mound and start pitching.”

Carrasco’s unbelievable journey had a magical ending last year, as he was able to return to the mound a reliever for the last month of the season. Although he cherished every second he was given to get back on the field with his teammates, his excitement to return to his regular starting role in 2020 was even greater, which made the past three months without baseball that much harder for him to bear.

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“I was kind of a little bit sad, you know, but this is something that is happening right now,” Carrasco said. “But I was so excited to get back to the season because of what happened last year. I just want to get back to the mound and start pitching.”

If anyone understands prioritizing health, it’s Carrasco. And while he certainly falls into the high-risk category after his battle against cancer, he said that he’s talked with all his doctors and the team’s medical staff to make sure that he’s safe to participate this season. With a few extra modifications from the Indians to assure his safety is prioritized, Carrasco was given the green light to get back to the game he loves.

“It’s awesome to see him,” starter Zach Plesac said. “We’re doing everything we can. The whole team is just going to lock down on what we need to do to make sure everyone’s staying safe, and guys like him who are high-risk, props to him as his teammate. He’s putting himself at risk. That means a lot. I know we’re going to do our part to make sure he stays safe, and we’ll continue to work together.”

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Just one day into on-field workouts, Carrasco said he feels safe at Progressive Field and is abiding every rule he’s been given to make sure he can keep himself healthy. The right-hander certainly didn’t want to waste the efforts he’s put in over the past three months.

Along with his front-yard pitcher’s mound, Carrasco also built an at-home gym to complete his workouts while quarantining. His neighbor, a collegiate baseball player, was Carrasco's catcher and workout buddy. And because of all the extra work he did to stay ready, Carrasco enters camp having already thrown up to six simulated innings.

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“I’m glad I built all that kind of stuff,” Carrasco said. “From Day One, I just wanted to work out from the house. I did every day, and I loved it. I got addicted to lifting weights every day and throwing every day. It was nice. Now, thank God I did all that in those three months back home; working really hard so now everything for me is like back to normal.”

Now, Carrasco is ready to put all of his health problems from the past year in the rear-view mirror. He may not be able to make his first start back in front of a roaring crowd at Progressive Field. He may have to keep some extra distance from his teammates and not sit in the dugout. He may not be able to high-five coaches after his first outing. But all Carrasco needs is baseball, and just for him to be back on the rubber and healthy enough to participate in the 2020 season is going to be a win in itself.

“I’m stoked,” starter Shane Bieber said, of his excitement to watch Carrasco. “It’s good to see him, always. Whenever we’re talking about Cookie, it’s always about what a bright spot in the clubhouse he is, and his personality. You can still see his smile, even behind a facemask. He’s the man. We all appreciate him. Embrace him. And we’re excited for him to get going this season. I’m sure he’s antsy as well.”