Player of the Game
It is no secret that the Indians’ starting rotation has struggled in August, and Danny Salazar had been one of the main reasons for the Tribe’s pitching problems. However, Salazar was excellent Thursday, giving up two runs in 5.1 innings of work while striking out ten Texas hitters. While Salazar’s outing could have been longer, his ten strikeouts and some quality at bats played a part in his elevated pitch count. His control wasn’t outstanding, but his two walks were actually a better mark than his 4.2 BB/9 mark on the season. All things considered, Tribe fans should be very encouraged by Salazar’s outing.
Feathers Up
Brandon Guyer continued to provide a provide a unique skill set Sunday, by getting hit with his MLB-leading 28th pitch of the season. Further, his 7th inning single gave him his 12th game of the year with a HBP and a hit, which also is tops in the MLB.
The Indians’ bullpen also continued to pitch well Sunday. Dan Otero pitch 1.2 shutout innings in relieve Salazar, including getting Mitch Moreland to ground into a double-play in the sixth. Mike Clevinger also pitched a scoreless eighth inning, lowering his ERA to 3.30 over his last 19.1 innings of work.
Feathers Down
Once again on this road trip, the Indians’ offense left much to be desired. On multiple occasions, Indians hitters seemed to swing at pitches that would have been ball four, including a Jose Ramirez at bat in the 6th inning that resulted in a double play instead of putting runners on first and second with no outs.
The Indians loaded the bases in the ninth inning with one out as Tyler Naquin was called to pinch hit for Brandon Guyer. A sacrifice fly or a hit would have at least tied the game for Cleveland, but Naquin, with a scary-high 31.2 K% this season, struck out. This left the Tribe’s hopes on Abraham Almonte‘s shoulders, who popped to center on a 2-0 count to end the game.
Rajai Davis‘ struggles also continued Sunday, going 0-4, which makes him hitless in his last 18 at bats. Since July, Davis has only managed a .650 OPS. However, Davis isn’t alone: fellow veteran free-agent signee Mike Napoli also went 0-4, which makes him 5-39 in his last 11 games. If the Indians are to make any noise in the postseason, they will need Davis and Napoli to come back to life.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 1 – Texas Rangers 2
Scoreboard Watch: The Tigers were shut out 5-0 by the Angels Sunday, so the Indians lead in the AL Central remains at 4.5 games.
On Deck: The Indians return home Monday to face the Minnesota Twins. Trevor Bauer (9-6, 3.88 ERA) will take the hill tomorrow against Hector Santiago (10-8, 5.16 ERA) for a 7:10 pm first pitch.
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