The Indians, winners of 25 of their last 26 games, return to Angels Stadium tonight for the second game of a three game set with plenty of playoff implications for both teams.
The Angels (76-74) stand just one game behind Minnesota for the second Wild Card spot after the Twins were shellacked in the Bronx this afternoon, and the Indians (94-57) are still one and a half games ahead of Houston for best record in the AL and home field advantage. The Astros host the White Sox tonight in a game already underway by the Tribe’s first pitch.
The pitching match-up tonight may not be a playoff preview, however, as the Indians send Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.04) up against LA’s Ricky Nolasco (6-14, 5.11).
Actually, looking through the Angels’ thin pitching staff, Nolasco may find himself in a playoff rotation if they were to survive a Wild Card game.
Who’s their ace? Parker Bridwell (8-2, 3.71)? Garrett Richard, who’s made four starts this season? Nolasco actually leads the Angels with 165 2/3 innings pitched, but he ranks 58th out of 61 qualified starters in ERA, 57th in home run rate (1.85HR/9) and 54th in WHIP (1.44).
Tomlin, 5-0 with a 2.66 ERA over his last seven starts, looks to keep his season trending in the right direction. He faces a hot Angel line-up featuring a streaking Justin Upton along with the ever-excellent Mike Trout. Keep an eye on the new Pujols shift tonight as well. It’s interesting and a little bit sad all at the same time.
Line-ups below and first pitch at precisely 10:07pm Eastern Standard.
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