Indians Quietly Becoming World Series Contenders With Their Dominant Starting Rotation Taking Shape

For most of the season, the Cleveland Indians had been written off by the league. The Minnesota Twins had built a substantial divisional lead in the AL Central, and there was even talk that the Indians would be big sellers at the deadline.

But the team's biggest strength -- its rotation -- has rounded into form at the perfect time, quietly turning the team back into World Series contenders.

Trevor Bauer and Shane Beiber have both put together quality seasons, posting 3.68 and 3.49 ERAs, respectively. Mike Clevinger has struck out 65 batters in just 42.1 innings and is back to pitching consistently for the first time since April.

Even guys like Zach Plesac and Adam Plutko have stepped up. The two have put up strong start after strong start while holding down the back end of the Indians' pitching staff.

On the whole, the members of the starting rotation have put up 13.3 fWAR, tied with the Houston Astros for the fifth-best mark in all of baseball. Their 3.83 ERA ranks fourth in the MLB.

This is how the Indians were meant to play. Their rotation is their greatest asset. When they play up to their potential as they have been, they're one of the best team's in baseball. And when the offense is consistent? Forget about it.

So long as they keep pitching like this, they have the potential to make a run to the World Series. And don't forget that Corey Kluber is nearing a return too.