The Cleveland Indians looked to be in command in the American League Central after sweeping preseason favorite Detroit in a three-game series at home from May 22-24, but the Indians find themselves sliding down the standings as the teams begin another three-game series in Detroit.
Cleveland has lost seven of nine since sweeping the Tigers - all against the division - and watched a lead of 3 1/2 games turn into a 2 1/2-game deficit behind the Chicago White Sox.
The Tigers seemed to briefly turn things around after the sweep in Cleveland, winning three in Minnesota to get within a game of .500, but they've since lost five of seven to slip six games behind the White Sox.
The Tigers had won 10 straight against the Indians before the series last month.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (5-4, 5.79 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Drew Smyly (2-1, 3.46)
Jimenez had a hand in the sweep of Detroit last month, working around six walks to hold the Tigers to three runs over six innings in the series opener. He wasn't as effective in Sunday's loss to the White Sox as he was roughed up for seven runs in four innings. Jimenez was scheduled to start Saturday, but his outing was pushed back after he complained of cramps in his left side after his last outing. Jimenez is 3-5 with a 5.96 ERA in eight starts against the Tigers.
The long ball has started to become a problem for Smyly, who has surrendered six homers over his last four starts and allowed four runs in each outing. The rookie's ERA has ballooned from 1.59 to 3.46 during that stretch, and his strikeout numbers are down. After notching seven strikeouts in three of his first five starts, Smyly has 21 over his last five outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers outfielder Delmon Young has enjoyed success against Jimenez. He is 9-for-17 (.529) with two doubles and a home run against him. Young has hit safely in four straight games and is 8-for-17 (.471) during that stretch.
2. Indians center Carlos Santana has been on the seven-day disabled list with a concussion since May 25 but made a rehab start at Class-A Lake County on Monday and could be back for Tuesday's game.
3. Indians outfielder Johnny Damon was placed on the paternity leave list Sunday and will miss Tuesday's game, but is expected to return to the team Wednesday.