<p>CLEVELAND — The Indians traded right-hander Adam Plutko to the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, a move that brings some clarity to their bullpen situation.</p>
<p>Cleveland will get a player to be named or cash in return for Plutko, who was out of minor league options and seemed to be destined for a role in long relief this season. The 29-year-old has appeared in 50 games and made 36 starts for the Indians since 2016.</p>
<p>Plutko’s departure seems to point to Logan Allen, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill all making the Indians’ opening-day roster.</p>
<p>Manager Terry Francona said the first three spots in the rotation were set with AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale. Allen, who is a left-hander, seems to have locked up the No. 4 spot after a strong camp. He pitched five shutout innings in a start on Friday. </p>
<p>McKenzie or Quantrill will either be the fifth starter or go to the bullpen. McKenzie makes his last exhibition start Sunday against San Diego.</p>
<p>Plutko was Cleveland’s player representative last season. The right-hander has been versatile for Francona over the past few seasons. He pitched in relief in 2020, going 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 10 games, including four starts.</p>
<p>NOTES: Bieber made his final start before Thursday’s season opener, striking out nine in 5 2/3 innings against the Dodgers on Saturday. Afterward, he said there were no “in-depth” talks with the Indians during camp about a contract extension. With the season about to start, Bieber said any discussions may be put off until the offseason. </p>
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