Roster Update: As if eight relievers on the current roster and 17 different pitchers on the roster in the past five days wasn't enough, the Indians brought Nick Hagadone back to the team after just two days in Columbus. They were able to do this by placing Michael Bourn on the paternity list. Hopefully, the Indians will use this opportunity to rid themselves of Rich Hill for good when Bourn comes back in three days. In the mean time, pinch hitters will be at a minimum with only Mike Aviles available as a player from the bench who can also play in the field. The rest of the bench will consist of Yan Gomes and Jason Giambi.
Player of the Game
Justin Masterson out-dueled Chris Sale today in the battle of the aces, throwing a complete game shut out. Masterson struck out eight and allowed just six hits, four of which were retired afterwards via the ground ball double play. This was his second shut out of the year against the White Sox and the third overall. The White Sox didn't have an extra base hit all game and didn't have a baserunner reach second until the seventh inning. His POG score of 11.30 marks this as Masterson's best game of 2013.
Feathers Up
Bourn's absence won't be as big of a deal as it would normally be, because he was going to sit out today anyway against the left handed Chris Sale. Combined with an off-day Monday, this means Bourn will only miss one game if he stays away for the maximum three games.
A Drew Stubbs bunt in the fourth inning was all it took to shake Chris Sale, who had been unhittable to that point. After the single and two outs were recorded, Ryan Raburn and Carlos Santana both doubled to give the Indians a two run lead.
Justin Masterson did a great job inducing the ground ball today with 14 of his 27 outs recorded coming on ground balls (including four double plays). Of the others outs, eight were strike outs and just three came in the air. The other two were a pick-off by Yan Gomes and a low line drive catch by Cabrera. Aided by the double plays and Gomes nice throw, Masterson faced the minimum through seven innings when he walked Alejandro De Aza.
Yan Gomes had another great day with three hits against the Sox. Two of those came against Sale, who has been one of the best pitchers in the AL this year. In related news, Lou Marson just felt another twinge in his phantom shoulder injury and should be on the DL for at least an 0-20 stretch by Gomes.
With the four game sweep (which the Indians announcers claim is the first since 1948 and the White Sox claim is the first ever in Chicago) and a Tigers loss to Tampa Bay, the Indians are now back in a first place tie with Detroit. They will play Kansas City next after a day off tomorrow before playing four in Detroit.
Feathers Down
The Indians have to leave Chicago and play somebody else now.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 3 – Chicago White Sox 0
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