By Mike Brandyberry

Last night the Indians once again fell short when Adrian Beltre helped give the Rangers a lead they would not relinquish, beating the Tribe 5-2. The Rangers’ victory came at a price however, both Beltre and Josh Hamilton left the game with minor injuries.

Today, neither will start the game. Beltre had an MRI, which revealed slight inflammation in his left shoulder and is listed as day-to-day. Hamilton, meanwhile, received an injection in his right knee and is also day-to-day but expected to be unavailable this evening. He could return on Friday for their weekend series.

The loss of Beltre and Hamilton could be a concern for a team in the heart of a pennant race, however, the Rangers have the ultimate kryptonite against the Indians for tonight’s game, a left-handed starter. The Indians are 14-32 against southpaw starters and the Rangers will start Ohio-native, Derek Holland (10-6, 4.59). In his last start he pitched eight innings, allowing only a run and striking out a career high 11, but received a no-decision in Tampa Bay on September 7 in a 3-1 Rangers loss in 11 innings. Holland is 3-0, with a 2.25 ERA lifetime against the Tribe.

The Indians will counter with Zach McAllister (5-7, 4.31 ERA). He was only able to pitch three innings, allowing two earned runs, in his last start against the Minnesota Twins. McAllister was the loser in Holland’s last win against the Tribe when he allowed four home runs to the Rangers. The tall right-hander could be tiring as the season is winding down and he is eclipsing his career high in innings pitched.

Since the expansion of rosters on September 1, the Indians have used a very unconventional lineup against southpaws. To date, it has not been effective, but the Tribe will parade it out again. Tonight’s lineup is full of right-handed hitters, most of which were in Triple-A before roster expansion.

Game action begins at 8:05 pm ET from the Ballpark at Arlington in Texas. The broadcast can be seen on SportsTime Ohio and heard on the Indians Radio Network.

Cleveland Indians Starting Lineup
1. Brent Lillibridge, SS
2. Jason Kipnis, 2B
3. Carlos Santana, DH
4. Michael Brantley, CF
5. Vinny Rottino, LF
6. Matt LaPorta, 1B
7. Thomas Neal, RF
8. Lou Marson, C
9. Jack Hannahan, 3B

Texas Rangers Starting Lineup
1. Ian Kinsler, DH
2. Elvis Andrus, SS
3. David Murphy, LF
4. Nelson Cruz, RF
5. Michael Young, 3B
6. Mitch Moreland, 1B
7. Geovany Soto, C
8. Leonys Martin, CF
9. Jurickson Profar, 2B

Photo: Marilyn Indahl/Getty Images