| Blue Jays | Indians | ||
|
2B
|
Devon Travis |
2B
|
Jason Kipnis |
|
3B
|
Josh Donaldson |
SS
|
Jose Ramirez |
|
DH
|
Jose Bautista |
LF
|
Michael Brantley |
|
1B
|
Edwin Encarnacion |
1B
|
Carlos Santana |
|
C
|
Russell Martin |
RF
|
Brandon Moss |
|
CF
|
Kevin Pillar |
DH
|
David Murphy |
|
LF
|
Michael Saunders |
3B
|
Lonnie Chisenhall |
|
SS
|
Ryan Goins |
C
|
Brett Hayes |
|
RF
|
Ezequiel Carrera |
CF
|
Michael Bourn |
|
SP
|
Drew Hutchison |
SP
|
Trevor Bauer |
The weather in Cleveland seems to have finally turned around. To paraphrase the Beach Boys, “Wouldn’t it be nice” if the Tribe can finally begin a turnaround, too?
After an 11-4 shellacking yesterday that dropped the Indians to 8-15 on the year and handed Klubot his fourth straight loss (bumping up his ERA to 4.62 in the process), the struggling Boys of Spring look to earn a series split with Toronto today.
On paper, things look as sunny as the day. Trevor Bauer takes his 1.80 ERA to the hill versus Drew Hutchison and his 5.48 ERA. Hutch is a right-hander, so the Tribe (as usual) will be wearing out the left-handed batter’s box with only catcher Brett Hayes digging in from the other side to face the starter.
Speaking of pitchers, weren’t the Indians’ hurlers supposed to be their greatest strength this year? Going in to today’s game, their team 4.54 ERA is third worst in the American League. But guess what? Toronto’s staff is the second worst, with a 4.91 ERA.
Hey, we have to look for bright spots where we can find them. It’s easier on a gorgeously sunny day like today. Let’s hope the Tribe can dazzle before too many dark clouds roll in.