Roster Update: The Indians added two more to their active roster today and since neither was previously on the 40 man, two corresponding moves were made. The additions were left handed reliever, Giovanni Soto, who will make his MLB debut the first time he pitches and utility infielder/outfielder Michael Martinez. Soto was originally acquired from the Tigers in the Jhonny Peralta trade and Martinez was a Spring Training invitee this March.
Lost with the moves was Carlos Moncrief, an eight year minor league “veteran” who was designated for assignment. T.J. House was moved from the 15 Day to the 60 Day DL to clear the other spot. Since his DL stint was made retroactive to May 1st, House can be activated at any time, so it was just a paper move.
Player of the Game
Josh Tomlin continued his streak of magnificent play today, keeping the potent Tigers lineup to just a single run through nine innings. Pitching to contact, Tomlin allowed just three hits and needed to throw only 104 pitches to complete the game. He did strike out six and walkd one with the only run coming after Dixon Machado doubled and was driven home by Miguel Cabrera in the sixth inning. He has thrown at least six innings in each of his five starts since his return from the DL with this being his first beyond seven innings. This was also the first time this season that he allowed a run that didn’t come off a home run.
Feathers Up
The Indians offense joined the rest of the country in beating Detroit with Jerry Sands leading the way. Sands began the scoring in the third as his two run home run to left brought home Abraham Almonte, who had walked. He did it again in the fifth when he tripled to lead off the inning, then scored on a Giovanny Urshela single. Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley added doubles to bring home one more followed by an intentional walk to load the bases and a Yan Gomes HBP to score the Indians fifth run. Almonte walked again in this inning and it was worth another run as Brantley scored from third, the Indians league best 17th walk with the bases loaded.
The Indians added on in the seventh, giving them three innings with multiple runs on the night. With runners on first and third, Lonnie Chisenhall pinch hit for Chris Johnson. It is likely that Terry Francona was waiting for a right handed reliever to bring in Chisenhall for both offensive and defensive purposes, but with Sands chasing a possible cycle, he came in for Johnson instead. Against Jeff Ferrell, Chisenhall crushed a double to deep center, scoring both base runners and giving the Indians an 8-1 lead.
Feathers Down
Corey Kluber was supposed to start tonight, but was scratched with a strained right hamstring. He is expected to miss at least ten days and will essentially be replaced in the rotation by Carlos Carrasco, who will come off the DL Tuesday.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 8 – Detroit Tigers 1
Scoreboard Watch: The Yankees helped out the Indians a little bit tonight, beating the Rays 5-2 and moving the Indians to just a half game behind Tampa. The Twins and Astros weren’t complete when the Indians finished, but Houston was winning handily 7-0. The Rangers and Angels started late.
On Deck: Danny Salazar and Alfredo Simon will take the field against each other Saturday night as the Tigers and Indians play the middle game of their three game set. It will start at 7:08 PM in Detroit.
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