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Lake County Sentinel
Cookie Carrasco takes another step in return from Leukemia with simulated game at Lake County  
​     BY TIM SHIRER
CAPTAINS BEAT WRITER
(EASTLAKE, OH) - Today at around 2:30 Est time Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos “Cookie” Carrasco took another step in his quest to return to Indians and a Major League mound as he has been battling Leukemia. Carrasco threw a simulated game at Classic Park home of the Lake County Captains.

Carrasco started the season in the Indians rotation and had made 12 starts this season with a record of 4-6 with a 4.98 ERA. On June 4th the devastating news was announced by the Indians that Cookie had Leukemia and would leave the team to seek treatment.

Carrasco said he had been working out the entire time he was in treatment. But the challenge of today was the first time he had faced live hitters since May 30th when he made his final start for the Indians before going on the injured list.

Cookie threw 25 pitches to three Lake County Captains hitters and he threw to Captains catcher Josh Rolette. From my untrained eye it looked like Carrasco had good movement and velocity on his pitches.

When asked how it felt to be back on the mound even in a simulated game Cookie responded, “You know, it feels great. Two and a half months without throwing.”
When asked about his current health status and how he feels, he commented, “You know what, I’m doing great. Even better than before.”

Carrasco is so grateful for the support he has received from his teammates, Indians fans and Cleveland media. “It’s been unbelievable, When I went to the All-Game to have the fans, the people, my teammates, my family, the community the support is great. I know I have good company.”

Carrasco was asked what Indians Minor League pitching coordinator Rueben Niebla means to him and his recovery and the pitchers in the Indians general. Carrasco praised Niebla by saying, “Rueben Niebla means a lot for us, from the big leagues to the minor league level. He’s unbelievable.”

Cookie does not know what the next step in his rehab will be, but he is hoping to be back soon. In fact, when he was asked if he would be on the Indians post season roster he quickly answered, “Yes, why not?”
The lesson learned today was not really about baseball, but it was more about battling and moving on and as Carrasco at one point that is in the past. Indians fans should be happy to know one of their bright and shinning stars is on his way back to the team.
tshirer@lakecountysentinel.com or follow Tim on Twitter @IndiansTim Check out our IndiansNation fan Page
​POSTED 08/16/2019 19:25
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Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos "Cookie" Carrasco.
Photo by Tim Shirer