Game Previews

Game #104: Cleveland Indians (50-53) at Kansas City Royals (42-60)

By Mike Brandyberry

Tuesday was not a very good day for the Cleveland Indians, regardless of what angle you look at it from. The Indians failed to make a trade of any significance at the trade deadline, Roberto Hernandez was battered in his second rehabilitation start and the Tribe was banged around by the Kansas City Royals, 8-3.

Derek Lowe gave up seven runs in two and one-third innings in his shortest outing of the year. The 39-year old right hander has to be running out of time in the Indians rotation. Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti indicated yesterday when he met with the media that some internal changes were imminent. Josh Tomlin has already been moved to the bullpen and Manager Manny Acta announced Thursday’s starter would be Corey Kluber.

Tonight the Indians will try to snap their four game losing streak and earn their first victory of the nine-game road trip with Zach McAllister (4-2, 3.18 ERA) on the mound. McAllister earned a no-decision in his last start against Detroit, but pitched well enough to be the winner as he battled Justin Verlander for over six innings. He pitched six and one-third innings, nine hits, three runs—two earned—while striking out seven on 117 pitches. He left in line to be the loser, but the Indians exploded for four runs and earned a 5-3 win. The win was their last victory.

Kansas City will send Luis Mendoza (4-7, 4.47 ERA) to try and keep Cleveland on their heels. Mendoza is 2-4 with a 3.67 ERA in his last eight starts. He suffered a defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners last Thursday, throwing five innings and allowing four runs. He defeated the Indians on April 26, pitching five innings, allowing two runs on four hits.

Antonetti indicated Tuesday that internal options to improve the team would be explored very soon. Kluber has already been announced as the starter on Thursday, but it remains to be seen if the team will recall other minor leaguers to address the ailing starting rotation or anemic offense. Antonetti spoke candidly on 92.3-FM The Fan, accepting some of the blame for the Indians’ struggles this season and in recent years.

The Indians placed Travis Hafner on the paternity list this afternoon and recalled Vinny Rottino from Triple-A Columbus. Hafner can remain on the list for up to three days. Rottino was claimed by the Indians from the New York Mets on June 27. Since he was claimed by the Indians, Rottino has hit .299, with nine doubles, four home runs and 32 RBIs in 30 games.

Game action begins at 8:10 pm et at Kaufman Stadium and can be heard on the Indians Radio Network and seen on SportsTime Ohio.

Cleveland Indians Starting Lineup
1. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
3. Jason Kipnis, 2B
4. Michael Brantley, CF
5. Carlos Santana, C
6. Jose Lopez, DH
7. Johnny Damon, LF
8. Casey Kotchman, 1B
9. Jack Hannahan, 3B