Roster Update: The Indians placed center fielder Michael Bourn on the 15 Day DL today after he cut his hand while sliding into first base against the White Sox last weekend. Corey Kluber was brought up in his stead, most likely because of the over taxing of the bullpen in last night's game. He will likely be used out of the bullpen until Saturday, when he will likely be sent down for starting pitcher Scott Kazmir.
Jason Kipnis is still day-to-day with right elbow soreness and has been announced out for both today and tomorrow's games. He missed some time during Spring Training with the same injury and it could partially explain his struggles at the plate early this year. If he is not able to return by this weekend, he could be another candidate for the very active Indians disabled list.
Player of the Game
With a two run home run making up 66% of the scoring tonight, Nick Swisher wins his team leading third Player of the Game of the season. His final POG score was 4.72
Feathers Up
The difference between Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez was obvious today when Masterson loaded the bases with no one out in the second inning. In a very similar situation last night, Jimenez walked in two runs as part of a seven run inning. Tonight, Masterson struck out Dustin Pedroia, got the second batter to pop out to the infield and the third to fly out as well, ending the threat.
Nick Swisher and Jason Giambi did exactly what they were signed to do and they did it back-to-back in the sixth inning. The pair of solo home runs brought the Indians within two. Giambi flew out in each of his first six at bats with the team, but hit a towering home run 417 feet to deep right field
Feathers Down
Justin Masterson had a bad start today against the Red Sox, giving up more runs before the first out was made in the first inning than he had all season prior. A great play by Mark Reynolds to get a runner at home helped limit the damage, but Masterson still allowed three runs in the first inning. Between his last two scoreless outings, Masterson had thrown 19 consecutive shut out innings. Each of the first six Boston hits went to the opposite field as the Red Sox obviously had a good game plan coming into tonight against Masterson.
Lonnie Chisenhall demonstrated the difference between aggressive baserunning and smart baserunning as he was thrown out trying to turn a single into a double to lead off the third inning. Down by three, the Indians needed multiple base runners, not just one man in scoring position and the ball was hit to right, never getting by the right fielder, Shane Victorino. Regardless of the end results, Chisenhall should have stayed on first and saved that aggressiveness for a later time.
The Indians used their top relief corps (Joe Smith and Vinnie Pestano) in a losing effort again tonight, magnifying their inability to score runs and get the lead late in games. The player to miss the most is closer Chris Perez, who has had just two save opportunities this season and has pitched in just four games. The Indians don't like to use him in non save situations, but will have to, just to keep him ready in case one ever occurs.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 3 – Boston Red Sox 6
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