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5 Cleveland Indians Who Need To Stay Healthy In 2016

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The Cleveland Indians‘ win total has dropped in each of Terry Francona‘s three seasons as manager, but they did finish above .500 in 2015 with a 81-80 record. If the Indians are going to return to the playoffs in 2016, these five players must stay healthy.

5. SP Carlos Carrasco

SP Carlos Carrasco Getty Images
Carrasco took a big step in 2015 with 14 wins, a 3.63 ERA, a 10.6 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 over 30 starts (183.2 IP). The next step is 200 innings, and with at least six innings pitched in 10 of his last 15 starts last year, that's within reach for Carrasco.

Carrasco took a big step in 2015 with 14 wins, a 3.63 ERA, a 10.6 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 over 30 starts (183.2 IP). The next step is 200 innings, and with at least six innings pitched in 10 of his last 15 starts last year, that's within reach for Carrasco.

4. 1B Carlos Santana

1B Carlos Santana Jason Miller Getty Images
Santana led Cleveland in home runs (19) and RBIs (85) in 2015, and he also added double-digit steals (11). Santana may play some outfield this year, but his continued health (over 150 games played in three straight seasons) is critical.

Santana led Cleveland in home runs (19) and RBIs (85) in 2015, and he also added double-digit steals (11). Santana may play some outfield this year, but his continued health (over 150 games played in three straight seasons) is critical.

3. 2B Jason Kipnis

2B Jason Kipnis Jason Miller Getty Images
After a bad 2014, Kipnis rebounded solidly last year (.303, 43 doubles, .823 OPS). The 20-20 player he seemed on track to be may not exist, but Kipnis is a key part of the Indians' lineup. His ability to stay on the field will be vital in 2016.

After a bad 2014, Kipnis rebounded solidly last year (.303, 43 doubles, .823 OPS). The 20-20 player he seemed on track to be may not exist, but Kipnis is a key part of the Indians' lineup. His ability to stay on the field will be vital in 2016.

2. OF Michael Brantley

OF Michael Brantley Jim Rogash Getty Images
November shoulder surgery will delay the start of Brantley's 2016 season, but the Indians absolutely need his all-around offensive contribution. If Brantley can't get healthy and be productive, the Indians' playoff hopes will quickly diminish.

November shoulder surgery will delay the start of Brantley's 2016 season, but the Indians absolutely need his all-around offensive contribution. If Brantley can't get healthy and be productive, the Indians' playoff hopes will quickly diminish.

1. SP Corey Kluber

SP Corey Kluber Hannah Foslien-Getty Images
Kluber's record in 2015 (9-16) was a product of his teammates scoring two or fewer runs in 18 of his 32 starts, and he has become a legitimate ace. The Indians don't have a lot of star power to match other contenders, but Kluber provides a little.

Kluber's record in 2015 (9-16) was a product of his teammates scoring two or fewer runs in 18 of his 32 starts, and he has become a legitimate ace. The Indians don't have a lot of star power to match other contenders, but Kluber provides a little.

Brad Berreman is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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