The Indians boast one of the deepest rotations in MLB, and 27-year-old Mike Clevinger earned his spot Monday after facing a stacked Dodgers lineup in spring training.

"As we stand right now, he's going to be in the rotation," manager Terry Francona said of Clevinger, via Cleveland.com.

Last season, Clevinger made 21 starts, owning a 12-6 record with a 3.11 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 121 2/3 innings. Clevinger moved to the bullpen during the postseason, but was always expected to start during the regular season.

While Clevinger received good news Monday, teammate Danny Salazar will have to wait a while to make his season debut, likely starting April on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.

"Danny (Salazar) is not going to be ready. We're looking for Clevinger to have a big year. He's strong, and he should be able to be that innings-eater type pitcher," Francona said.

Salazar is dealing with an inflamed right rotator cuff. He only made 19 starts last season (4.28 ERA) while dealing with injuries.

Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Clevinger and Mike Tomlin will open the season as Cleveland's five-man rotation. Tomlin could be the most likely to make way once Salazar returns