The Cleveland Indians announced Tuesday that they've placed pitcher Trevor Bauer on the 10-day disabled list with a minor right fibula fracture.

Bauer is in his fifth full MLB season, and it's the first time he appears on the disabled list. The ultra-durable 27-year-old is in the midst of a potential Cy Young season, posting a 12-6 record with a 2.22 ERA and 214 strikeouts in 166 innings pitched. He has the Indians on a clear path to their third consecutive AL Central title.

The Indians also placed slugger Edwin Encarnacion on the 10-day disabled list with a biceps injury last week. But the good news is that Bauer and Encarnacion shouldn't be out long-term, and the Indians are virtually locked in as the No. 3 seed in the American League at this point.

Bauer may not quite top the career-best 17 wins he posted last season, but the aforementioned 2.22 ERA is significantly better than the 4.19 he had in 2017, and the 3.96 ERA he has in his career thus far.

Bauer and reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber have formed one of the league's top 1-2 duos in the majors. The latter has a 14-6 record with a 2.74 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 161 innings pitched. Couple these two guys with reliever Andrew Miller and standout closer Cody Allen, and the Indians surely have the makings to be a World Series contender.

Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Indians just have to hope that Bauer will be back in full form when he comes off the disabled list. It may not be a severe injury, but Bauer might struggle to stay in form as he deals with the fibula injury.

Nonetheless, Cleveland has a strong rotation and bullpen, and they're built to get by without Bauer for the time being. As long as he returns before the postseason, there is nothing to worry about.

NEXT: ROBINSON CANO ACTIVATED BY MARINERS AFTER 80-GAME SUSPENSION