Indians at Twins
The Cleveland Indians have a solid lead atop the American League Central but the Minnesota Twins have a chance to chop into the deficit when they host their division rival on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game set. Minnesota has won seven of eight and sits five games behind the Indians, who enter the series riding a four-game winning streak.
Twins left fielder Eddie Rosario was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday after batting .444 with four homers, nine RBIs and 10 runs scored in the past seven games. Minnesota swept a three game set in Cleveland in late June, but is 0-7 at home against the Indians this season while getting outscored 48-15. Designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion has clubbed four homers in the past four games for Cleveland, including a pair of two-run shots in Monday's 7-3 win over Boston. Encarnacion's power surge has coincided with the acquisition of Jay Bruce, who is 6-for-14 during his four-game hitting streak.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Danny Salazar (4-5, 4.15 ERA) vs. Twins RH Bartolo Colón (4-9, 6.77)
Since returning from a seven-week stint on the disabled list, Salazar has permitted four runs in four starts but is 1-0 in the span. The 27-year-old Dominican tossed 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball last time out versus Tampa Bay, fanning eight to give him 36 strikeouts in the past four turns. Salazar gave up one run in six innings to win at Minnesota on April 17, but Brian Dozier is 12-for-29 against him.
After losing his season debut with the Twins on July 18 to run his losing streak to five consecutive starts, the 44-year-old is unbeaten in his last four turns with Minnesota. He again turned back the clock last time out, pitching seven scoreless innings of five-hit ball at Milwaukee to win his second straight start. Encarnacion has been held in check by Colon with only four hits in 19 at-bats.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians SS Francisco Lindor and 3B Jose Ramirez have hit safely in seven and six straight games, respectively.
2. Twins 1B Joe Mauer went 8-for-15 with eight RBIs in his last three starts.
3. Indians LHP Andrew Miller will make a rehab appearance Wednesday and could rejoin the team in Kansas City on Friday.