Indians at Twins
The Cleveland Indians did not get off to quite the strong second-half start they were seeking but did not lose any ground in the American League Central. The Indians attempt to even the series when they visit the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Cleveland sits 1 1/2 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the division and has a favorable schedule coming out of the All-Star break.
The Twins are headed for another non-playoff October but showed they still have the pieces to make a difference in the race when All-Star Joe Mauer singled in the go-ahead run in Friday’s 3-2 triumph. Cleveland will play four of its next five series against sub-.500 teams, including Minnesota, as it tries to catch the Tigers. The Twins are busy showcasing players who could be turned into trade chips for prospects at the July 31 deadline.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (7-5, 3.88 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kevin Correia (6-6, 4.23)
Kluber has recovered from a brief rough patch with two straight strong outings. The Alabama native allowed three hits in 7 2/3 scoreless innings against Kansas City on July 12 and has notched 18 strikeouts over 14 total frames in his last two turns. Kluber surrendered three runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings to earn a win over Minnesota on June 22 and is 1-1 with a 4.67 ERA in five career starts against the Twins.
Correia is winless in his last four starts and has issued 13 walks in 22 1/3 innings over that span. The veteran has posted a 6.12 ERA in his last three outings but has been a better pitcher at home, with a 4-1 record and 3.34 ERA in nine turns. He suffered a loss at Cleveland on May 4, when he yielded home runs to Jason Kipnis and Nick Swisher in the first inning.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mauer, who has hit safely in eight straight games, is 3-for-11 with a home run against Kluber.
2. Cleveland RH Zach McAllister (right middle finger) is expected to return to the rotation on Tuesday.
3. Minnesota snapped a five-game home losing streak with Friday’s triumph.