Roster Update: For today's double header, the Indians have brought up Trevor Bauer as their 26th man and he will be starting the second game. It will be Bauer's third start and just his third day on the roster this year. The Indians are being very frugal with his Major League time so they can keep him under team control as long as possible.
The Indians also made a huge move today, sending starting third baseman down to AAA after he had struggled early in the year. This makes the normal DH, Mark Reynolds, the starting third baseman and moves Jason Giambi to starting DH. Mike Aviles will likely move into a larger role in the lineup as well. Chisenhall will spend at least ten days in Columbus after which he can be reevaluated if the the Indians would like to bring him back. David Huff was recalled for Chisenhell, giving the Indians 6 starting pitchers and 8 relievers for today's games.
Player of the Game
Justin Masterson earned his nickname (Nasty Masty) today as he threw his best game so far this year and his second complete game shut out. Despite having an extra man in the bullpen, Masterson decided to go the distance himself, limiting the depleted Yankee lineup to just three infield hits and an opposite field seeing-eye single. He struck out a season high of 9 (2nd time) in addition to the season high of 9 innings (also 2nd time). Jason Kipnis deserves some credit as well for hitting a home run to give the Indians their only run of the game.
Feathers Up
The Indians are finishing up their opening series today with a very different look in the visitors dug out. In addition to their already expensive disabled list, the Yankees have since added Kevin Youkilis, Ivan Nova, Joba Chamberlain and Eduardo Nunoz to the DL. This has lead to what looks to be the least familiar Yankee lineup in over 20 years. The Tribe has also completely turned things since being swept by the Yankees in that shortened two game series. Since then, they have gone 17-10 after staring the year 3-5.
Justin Masterson held the Yankees to just three hits, all infield singles. The Yankees had trouble hitting anything solid against the Indians ace and all three were well placed slowly hit ground balls. He also had his strike out pitch working, throwing his fourth game this year with at least 7 innings pitched and 7 strike outs.
Milestone Updates: Jason Giambi is now 50th in Major League history with 1,515 strike outs.
Joe Smith is now tired for third all time in career holds as an Indian with Paul Shuey at 67.
Feathers Down
A bad call cost the Indians a run in the first inning, when Michael Bourn was called out trying to steal second. Jason Kipnis followed with a solo home run that should have given the Indians a two run lead.
Justin Masterson now has two complete game shut-outs this season and the Indians have scored a total of two runs during those two matches. Can a pitcher get some run support?
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 1 – New York Yankees 0
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