Roster Update: The Indians made a few roster moves today on the final day of non-waiver trades. First, Marc Rzepczynski was traded to the Padres for Adbraham Almonte, a light hitting, but speedy outfielder. This was more of a move to eliminate cost and allow the current crop of relievers to prove themselves.
Immediately taking the place of Rzepczynski is Jerry Sands, decreasing the number of available relievers to seven again. Thanks to three consecutive complete games, this should not be a problem, even for Terry Francona. The heir apparent for Rzepczynski’s role is Kyle Crockett, and he will likely be called up as soon as he is eligible (he was sent to AAA less than ten days ago). Until then, Michael Roth will be the Indians only left handed reliever.
In addition to the trade, Josh Tomlin was activated from the 60 day disabled list after having surgery on his shoulder in Spring Training. He was then optioned to Columbus. In order to make room for Tomlin, Toru Murata, who started one game for the Indians this year, was given his outright release.
Player of the Game
While he didn’t continue the Indians streak of three straight complete games, Danny Salazar was fantastic tonight, allowing just one hit and one walk through eight innings. He struck out just four, but didn’t have to strike out more as, aside from one error, his defense was excellent behind him. Salazar even joined in the fun himself with a bare handed grab to rob Billy Butler in the second inning. Salazar is the fourth strait starter to win the Player of the Game, the fourth time this has happened this year.
Feathers Up
Lonnie Chisenhall played right field tonight for the first time in his Major League career and completed his two fly ball outs without issue. He also added two singles, a double and a steal, accounting for three of the Indians five hits. While this isn’t a momentous occasion, if Chisenhall can play right effectively, he could find a way to sneak onto the 2016 roster as a utility man. He would need to, because for the moment at least, Giovanny Urshela has surpassed him both offensively and defensively at third base.
The first earned run of the night for either team came in the ninth when Michael Bourn doubled home Chisenhall. Lonnie had singled and stole second on a broken hit and run with Urshela at the plate. If it weren’t for that successful steal attempt, Chisenhall wouldn’t have scored on the ground rule double to right center. In addition, with third base now open, Bourn was able to steal third, his fourth steal in as many games, being caught just once during that stretch.
Feathers Down
The A’s scored in the third thanks to an error by Urshela that was compounded by a mistake from Carlos Santana. With runners on first and third after a walk and single, Urshela had a ball grounded quickly to him with plenty of time to throw home for a 5-2-3 double play. Urshela misplayed the ball, however, and threw straight to first to get one out. Although the throw was on line, Santana had his foot on the wrong side of the base and had to take it off as the runner approached. With this Marcus Semien was safe at first. Salazar retired the next three batters to end the threat, but the unearned run scored anyway thanks to the pair of mistakes.
For the second night in a row, the A’s got a solid effort from their starting pitcher. Kendall Graveman started today and had the Indians hitters extremely off balance, striking out six in 6.2 innings, many of which came on balls well outside the strike zone. The only run scored against Graveman came in the seventh inning and was unearned thanks to a Semien error.
The Indians did score in the seventh thanks to the error, but the inning could have been much bigger. Michael Bourn walked after Urshela reached safely to load the bases with Mike Aviles coming to the plate. Against a new pitcher, Fernando Rodriguez, Aviles grounded out to end the inning, moving his hitless streak to 19 at bats (he ended the game 0 for his last 20).
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 2 – Oakland Athletics 1
On Deck: The Indians will play the Athletics again on the first of August, with a half hour earlier start time than tonight’s game, playing at 9:05 PM ET. Cody Anderson will look to put two poor starts behind him as he faces off against the A’s Aaron Brooks.
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