Roster Update: Derek Lowe is finally gone as he was released today to make room for tonight’s starting pitcher, Corey Kluber. Kluber was announced as today’s starter a few days ago, so it was just a matter of who was going to be removed for him. The Indians couldn’t have picked a better player to let go as Lowe has been absolutely terrible for more than half of the season at this point.
Player of the Game
With four of the Indians six runs batted in, Carlos Santana powers his way to his team high 10th Player of the Game award. Santana hit a two run single along with a two run home run, giving the Indians some unfounded hope to enjoy from the 3rd through the 10th inning. He ended the game with a score of 7.01. Brent Lillibridge, Michael Brantley, Vinnie Pestano and Tony Sipp all had scores over two in the Indians loss.
Feathers Up
The Indians offense woke up a little bit today, erasing an early 6 run deficit. The lineup was a little different than normal because of the left handed starter, but it worked at least this time. Brent Lillibridge was especially impressive as he was thrown in the #2 hole in just his third start with the Tribe. Lillibridge had two hits, scored two runs and stole a base.
Tony Sipp quietly threw his best outing of the season, going an 1.2 innings in relief of Corey Kluber ending with a couple strike outs. Sipp has had two bad games in a row, but has generally been getting better results of late. He has not allowed a run to score (inherited or his own) in 11 of his last 16 games including today. Sipp has firmly placed himself back into the ‘good’ part of the Bullpen Mafia.
Feathers Down
In a smaller version of the regular season, the first inning saw the Indians get two singles and a steal and manage not to score, followed by the Royals hitting a couple home runs, a few singles and a triple along with two steals to put 6 runs on the board.
Corey Kluber had his starting debut ruined as he looked just like every other Indians starting pitcher has for the last week. He did settle down and didn’t give up another run as he threw 4.1 innings. Ending a lot better than he began, Kluber struck out the last batter he faced after allowing a home run to the first batter of the game.
Play of the Game
Asdrubal Cabrera helped out Kluber by starting this inning ending double play in the third.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 6 – Kansas City Royals 7
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