Roster Update: This morning it was announced that Marlon Byrd tested positive for a growth hormone and since it was his second positive test, he was suspended for 162 games. Given his age and contract status, it appears that the suspension will end his career and will certainly end his time in Cleveland. Taking his place is rookie outfielder Tyler Naquin for his third run with the team.
In addition, somehow, one inning and one run allowed was enough for the Indians to know they didn’t want Shawn Armstrong around and the right handed reliever was sent back to Columbus a day after initially recalled. In his place, Tom Gorzelanny will keep the Indians with a nine man pen and give them their only left hander.
Player of the Game
Mike Napoli hit his 12th home run of the season today, a two run shot that gave the Indians an early lead and helped provide the ultimate one run difference.
Feathers Up
Mike Napoli hit a bit of a cold spell for much of May, going 4/30 with 16 K’s from the 15th through the 22nd, but he really turned things around in the final week and continued that positive momentum today. With his two run home run in the first inning, Napoli now has five home runs and 12 RBI since May 23rd all while batting .276 (8/29). He has even stolen two bases and hit a triple during the current hot stretch.
After Texas tied the game at two, Rajai Davis singled with two outs in the fifth and, running on the pitch, scored on a Jason Kipnis double. It was a similar situation again in the eighth when Jose Ramirez doubled, then scored on a Juan Uribe single, again with two outs to give the Indians a one run lead.
Feathers Down
If there was a common theme to this series, it was the Rangers scoring early and they did it again today. A Jurickson Profar double and a sacrifice fly gave them a one run lead in the first and a Bobby Wilson walk lead to another run in the third to tie the game at two.
If you were wondering why the Indians were unable to score a few more runs tonight and possibly end the game in regulation, Francisco Lindor went 0/5 with two runners stranded in scoring position, Lonnie Chisenhall 0/4 with three stranded in Juan Uribe 1/4 with three stranded during the first nine.
Cody Allen blew his first save of the year this year after completing the first 11. He began the ninth with a one run lead, but walked the first batter he faced then gave up a bloop single to Elvis Andrus to put runners on the corners. A ground ball brought home the tying run from third, saddling Allen with the blown save.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 5 – Texas Rangers 4
On Deck: The Indians can put the series losses to Texas and Baltimore behind them as tomorrow Carlos Carrasco rejoins the rotation and is scheduled to start against Kansas City at 7:10 PM in Cleveland. He will go against Yordano Ventura.
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