Roster Update: The Indians released/demoted/DFA’d outfielder Shelley Duncan and brought Jeanmar Gomez back just days before rosters expand and they could have brought him up without removing someone from the roster. This makes it look like the Indians are done with Duncan, rather than just the normal demotion, because they could have sent down any number of players that still have options if they absolutely needed another pitcher today.
In an unrelated roster move, the Indians claimed left handed relief pitcher Scott Maine from the Cubs off waivers. He will be playing for the Columbus Clippers for the time being.
Player of the Game
Ezequiel Carrera won his second Player of the Game tonight with a double, a triple and a run scored.
Feathers Up
One positive note that can be taken from a pitching staff that has been less than perfect of late is the increase in strikeouts. Tribe pitching struck out 11 yesterday and starter Corey Kluber continued that trend tonight, striking out seven in six innings. This is out of character for Indians starters who, outside of Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez, do not have a strong swing and miss ability. Hopefully it is a sign of things to come as the Indians have been drafting and signing power pitchers with high strike out ratios rather than the pitch to contact players like have been the status quo over the past decade.
Every single Indians position player got to play in today’s game. If their going to play like little leaguers, then it’s good that they are following their rules as well.
Feathers Down
Asdrubal Cabrera was ejected in the first inning after arguing a called third strike that should have been ball four. The call was absolutely terrible on a ball that was almost in the dirt and he was absolutely legitimate in his argument. How much can one team take? The Indians offense is bad enough, they don’t need the umpires playing against them as well.
The Indians infield was atrocious tonight, especially in the 6th inning when two mistakes lead to an unearned run. Partially to blame was the fact that Jason Kipnis was the DH. The Cabrera ejection also hurt, leading to an infield made of Jack Hannahan, Brent Lillibridge, Jason Donald and Matt LaPorta.
Carlos Santana was pulled from the game for no reason in the 7th inning. The Indians are literally giving up as soon as they get behind. If there was not an extremely good reason for Santana to be pulled then it is obvious that Manny Acta is not even trying to win at this point and serious thoughts of replacement should be in order.
Play of the Game
Ezequiel Carrera hit a triple. It’s a stretch, but at least that play wasn’t terrible.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 4 – Oakland Athletics 8
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