Indians vs. Royals – Game 87 Open Thread

Starter	LHP Danny Duffy (5-7, 2.60 ERA)
Overview	Hard-throwing former prospect in first full year back from 2012 Tommy John surgery.
Repertoire	Fastball (71%, 93.5 mph), Curve (20%), Change (9%)
K Pitch	Primarily tries to throw the FB past lefties and righties but mixes in occasional curve
vs Tribe	1-0, 5.23 ERA in 2 starts… 2 scoreless IP in relief vs CLE in April
Key Matchups	Cabrera: 3-6, 1 BB… Chisenhall: .351 BA vs LHP fastballs
Source: ESPN Stats & Information

Corey Kluber takes the mound this afternoon trying to secure the Indians second straight series win against a playoff contender.

A win today would put the Tribe in position to make a nice run heading into the All-Star Break. Their final seven games before the break will be at home against the Yankees and White Sox, two teams heading in the wrong direction in recent weeks.

In other news, the Indians placed Michael Bourn on the DL with another hamstring injury, and called Tyler Holt up from Columbus.

Holt was basically a non-prospect entering the year, but he’s batting .302 with a .433 OBP in 37 games since being promoted to Columbus from Akron. He is a quality defensive centerfielder and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Francona put him in center and shift Brantley back to left, removing Aviles, late in games when the Tribe has the lead. But as far as Holt’s long-term projection, Holt is probably just the next Trevor Crowe.

#TribeTrivia Who was exchanged in the last trade between Indians and Royals involving major league players on both sides?

— Ryan McCrystal (@TribeFanMcC) July 6, 2014