Roster Update: We have another roster move to inform you about and this is a good one. Carlos Carrasco was sent back to AAA after yesterday's start and has been replaced on the 25 man roster by Clippers closer Preston Guilmet. Guilmet ruled the Eastern League, closing in 2012 for Akron and has dominated in the International League this season. He is one of the top three relievers in the Indians upper minor leagues (along with C.C. Lee and Trey Haley) and it will be very exciting to see him perform on the Major League level. He could very well be as quick to succeed as Cody Allen with the kind of stuff he has. To make room for him on the 40 man roster, Lou Marson was switched from the 15 to the 60 day DL, a purely administrative move as Marson has already been on the DL more than 60 days. You can read more about Preston Guilmet from when he was featured in this May's prospect report (ranked second) and last July's (ranked fourth).
Player of the Game
Michael Brantley was the offensive stand-out above all others today as he was involved in all the Indians scoring outside of the Lonnie Chisenhall solo home run in the second. He gave the Indians their first lead in the first inning with a two run double and then scored on Carlos Santana's home run. In his third at bat he hit a home run that seemed superlative at the time, but was ultimately necessary as the bullpen blew another save. Finally, he knocked in the go ahead runs again in the bottom of the eighth with another home run, this one a two run shot that score Nick Swisher. His five RBI and two home runs were personal highs and he scored three runs as well. His POG score of 11.53 is the highest by any Indian in 2013 and just the third score of 11.00 or more this year. He is the first player not named Masterson to do so.
Feathers Up
The Indians patience paid off today early on and allowed them to score four runs in the first inning. Jason Kipnis and Nick Swisher lead things off with two walks, a feat accomplished against Fister in just three games this year. Michael Brantley then came through with a two out double that cleared the bases. Carlos Santana finished things off with a two run home run to give the Indians a 4-1 lead.
Corey Kluber successfully navigating a tough sixth inning made him the first pitcher to go that deep into a game since Justin Masterson's complete game. Through that six game stretch each Indians starter has had at least one start and as a team they have averaged just 4.2 innings per game. Not surprisingly, the Indians have lost the last four games prior to today.
Today was a strike out day for Kluber who has seemed able to alternate between swing-and-miss and pitching to contact. In nine of his 15 starts he has struck out five or less batters. In five others (including today, he has struck out at least eight). He matched his season (and career) high today with 10 Tigers struck out. Unlike some pitchers, this does not necessitate success for Kluber as he has had both good and bad games across the board.
Feathers Down
Miguel Cabrera continues to be Corey Kluber's weakness as he has now pitched in three games against Detroit this season and allowed a home run to Cabrera in each game. this one came off the first pitch Cabrera saw from Kluber, which he gently placed about half way up the bleachers in left field. Intentionally walking him every time he comes up may not be a bad strategy at this point for Kluber.
Vinnie Pestano had one of the worst appearances in his career today as he came in with a three run lead and gave the whole thing up by giving up a three run home run to Torii Hunter. Including the home run, Pestano gave up four hits and a walk while retiring just two batters and blowing the save.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 9 – Detroit Tigers 6
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