kline made his major league debut with the indians in their 1997 season opener. he entered in the 6th inning with 1 out and a runner on base, against the oakland athletics with the score tied 6-6. he induced a flyout from scott spiezio for his first major league out, and the baserunner (ernie young) was caught stealing on the next pitch. he earned his first major league win as the indians rallied to take the lead in the next half inning with kline as the pitcher of record. he would go on to strike out his first major league batter (future teammate jim edmonds) in his next appearance. kline ultimately struggled early in the season, and was sent back down to triple a, where he continued to be used primarily as a reliever.