The Indians and the A’s are underway in Cleveland, with an unusual start time of 6:35. The Indians are riding a four-game winning streak and will hope to make it 6 in their last series before the All-Star break.
Carlos Carrasco is taking on Chris Bassitt, an occasional starter for Oakland who is not generally in the rotation. With the season on the line and the team needing to get to .500 before the break, these are the kinds of matchups they need to take advantage of.
And one sad note: infielder Mike Aviles has been placed on the MLB family emergency list and will not be joining the team. His daughter has leukemia, and the thoughts of all Indians fans should be with him in this difficult time.