Mike Clevinger has 18 outings as a fill-in for the 2017 Indians. With a 3.18 ERA as a starter, he may be positioning himself for a spot in the 2018 Cleveland rotation, but his walk rate may hold him back. Plus, more 2018 pitching possibilities from the AL Central.

Paulo Orlando earned a starting job to begin 2017 with a .302 BA in 2016 but faltered out of the gate. Two months of downtime due to injury may have helped revive his offense, and he could aid KC in their playoff chase. Plus, the final week of potential September callups in the AL Central.

Blaine Hardy was sent to Triple-A Toledo July 18 after struggling with his control in Detroit. Seventeen innings and no walks later, he's ready for another opportunity. Plus, week 2 of potential callups in the AL Central.

Lucas Giolito has seen his share of advances and setbacks in 2017, but if he accomplishes everything GM Rick Hahn has asked him to do, we'll see him in Chi-town next month. Plus, week 1 of potential September callups in the AL Central.

Miguel Cabrera is mired in a lost season on a Detroit team that's raised the white flag. He may be asked to yield some starts to players like Efren Navarro, who last appeared in the majors in 2015. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

All five AL Central teams were active at the trade deadline, with CHW, DET and MIN as sellers and CLE and KC as buyers. Reserve players like Alen Hanson hope to get the chance to earn a starting job. PT Tomorrow analyzes some possible AL Central beneficiaries of deadline day deals.

In spite of the Royals dealing for a closer and past would-be-closer, Joakim Soria and his stopper-worthy skills could still be in line for saves as the season winds down. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper may be a very busy man for the next two months with closer David Robertson traded. Cooper may be grooming several pitchers to close out games in August and September. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

Starting pitching options throughout the AL Central, including Sox options should Jose Quintana be traded.

Royals 2B/SS Ramon Torres was having a breakout season at Triple-A Omaha when he got the call June 7. Off to a good start with KC, he's making an early bid to stay on the roster long-term. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.

Twins 1B Byung Ho Park struggled mightily to begin 2017, but he finally started raking in June. However, we have yet to see the power he displayed in spring training after 2016 finger tendon surgery. Plus, more analyses from the AL Central.