Indians vs. Orioles – Game 51 Open Thread

The Indians close out their series against the Orioles this afternoon, as Trevor Bauer takes the mound against Miguel Gonzalez.  Although Gonzalez’s ERA is a bit higher than it was in 2012 and 2013, it’s likely a bit inflated from Opening Day, where he gave up 7 ER.  Since then, he hasn’t allowed more than 3 ER in a start.  The Indians have done okay against him – they’re hitting .286/.342/.543 against Gonzalez lifetime, and he has a 3.06 ERA against the Tribe.  An interesting side note – all of the AL Central teams have traditionally hit Gonzalez well, except for the White Sox.  Bauer has never faced the Orioles in his career.

Today’s lineups are kind of interesting.  Terry Francona is finally giving Carlos Santana a shot higher in the lineup (with that OBP, it seems like it would be a good thing to try).  Nick Swisher is back, but Asdrubal Cabrera is still out after he was hit by a pitch in the knee the other day.  Sellers has played some nice defense in his absence.

As for the Orioles, Manny Machado has also been day-to-day with a groin injury.  He’s back in the lineup today playing shortstop, although there is no Chris Davis.  His wife is set to give birth at any minute.  They’ve also been without catcher Matt Wieters, but just yesterday acquired Nick Hundley from the San Diego Padres for LHP Troy Patton.  Hundley is not in the lineup today though.  There are still a few dangerous hitters there though, like Nelson Cruz, Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy, and even a half-strength Machado is still a dangerous hitter.

Lineups:

Indians:

Michael Bourn, CF

Carlos Santana, C

Michael Brantley, LF

Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B

Nick Swisher, 1B

Jason Giambi, DH

Mike Aviles, 2B

David Murphy, RF

Justin Sellers, SS

Orioles:

Nick Markakis, RF

Manny Machado, SS

Adam Jones, CF

Nelson Cruz, DH

Steve Pearce, 1B

J.J. Hardy, SS

Jonathan Schoop, 2B

David Lough, LF

Caleb Joseph, C