By Mike Brandyberry

The road was not kind to the Cleveland Indians this weekend.

The Tribe headed to Chicago after a three game sweep of the Detroit Tigers looking to put some separation between themselves and the rest of the division. Instead, they were swept by the White Sox, their pitching staff allowing 35 runs over the weekend. The sweep leaves the Indians with just a one-half game lead over the White Sox and a three game lead over the Tigers.

Instead, the Wounded Wahoos return home for Memorial Day to open a three game series against the Kansas City Royals. The Tribe played without Travis Hafner in Chicago, who remained home to receive treatment on an irritated right meniscus. He will be evaluated prior to today’s game. Asdrubal Cabrera was removed from the game Friday evening with left hamstring tightness. He is listed as day-to-day, but is not expected to play today. Cabrera does think he will play in the series, however.

The Indians did make a couple roster moves prior to today’s game. The Tribe designated Jairo Asencio for assignment. The move makes room for today’s starting pitcher, Josh Tomlin (1-2, 4.67 ERA). Tomlin has not pitched since May 7 and was on the disabled list due to right wrist soreness. The injury is considered very rare in pitchers, and is found more often in bull riders. Tomlin threw a simulated game on Thursday and experienced no pain. He is not making a rehab start in the minor leagues before being activated for today’s game and is replacing Zach McAllister in the rotation.

He’ll be opposed by Nathan Adcock (0-2, 2.33 ERA) of the Royals. Adock makes his first career start against the Tribe, but had a 1.93 ERA in 2011 in two appearances against the Tribe. The Royals are trying to claw back into the Central Division race. They are currently on a nine game road trip, having won two of three in Baltimore this weekend.

Jack Hannahan was also placed on the disabled list with a strained left calf that he suffered during Saturday’s game. Hannahan missed 11 games before Saturday with a strained lower back. His move to the disabled list creates room for Lonnie Chisenhall to be recalled from Triple-A Columbus. He’ll be in the lineup as the designated hitter today.

The Tribe will try to get back on track this afternoon at 4:05 at Progressive Field. All the action can be seen on SportsTime Ohio or heard on the Indians Radio Network.

Cleveland Indians Starting Lineup
1. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
2. Michael Brantley, CF
3. Jason Kipnis, 2B
4. Jose Lopez, 3B
5. Casey Kotchman, 1B
6. Johnny Damon, LF
7. Lonnie Chisenhall, DH
8. Luke Carlin, C
9. Juan Diaz, SS

Kansas City Royals Starting Lineup
1. Alex Gordon, LF
2. Irving Falu, 2B
3. Billy Butler, DH
4. Mike Moustakas, 3B
5. Jeff Francoeur, RF
6. Eric Hosmer, 1B
7. Brayan Pena, C
8. Jarrod Dyson, CF
9. Alcides Escobar, SS

Photo: Getty Images