The Indians have another great opportunity tonight to get out of the American League Central basement and win their sixth game in seven attempts. If the Indians win and the White Sox and Tigers both fall, the Tribe could end the night in (gasp!) third place. It would be a great opportunity for the scrappy young guns to move squarely into playoff contention. That said, tonight’s game will come down to a 30-year-old making his season debut with the team. Josh Tomlin had a 4.55 ERA in seven minor league starts and could be in for a rough night, especially as his velocity is admittedly down from its high-80s of years past. But if he commands his pitches well, Tomlin could keep the Twins offense at bay.
The Twins look to climb back to .500 and stave off midnight in their Cinderella season. Tyler Duffey toes the rubber for the home team tonight. He enters with a record of 0-1 and a 27.00 ERA; his first Major League start was against the buzz saw that is the Toronto Blue Jays offense and he lasted just two innings, allowing five hits and six runs. Duffey’s minor league resume is much stronger, as he has a 2.54 ERA across 22 AA and AAA starts. It seems like both offenses are in for a treat.
And now, for tonight’s lineups:
| Indians | Twins | ||
|
2B
|
Jose Ramirez |
CF
|
Aaron Hicks |
|
SS
|
Francisco Lindor |
2B
|
Brian Dozier |
|
DH
|
Yan Gomes |
1B
|
Joe Mauer |
|
1B
|
Carlos Santana |
DH
|
Miguel Sano |
|
3B
|
Giovanny Urshela |
3B
|
Trevor Plouffe |
|
CF
|
Abraham Almonte |
RF
|
Torii Hunter |
|
C
|
Roberto Perez |
LF
|
Eddie Rosario |
|
RF
|
Lonnie Chisenhall |
C
|
Chris Herrmann |
|
LF
|
Mike Aviles |
SS
|
Eduardo Escobar |
|
SP
|
Josh Tomlin |
SP
|
Tyler Duffey |