Many preseason predictors thought the Cleveland Indians final regular season series of the year in Kansas City might determine who would win the American League Central Division.
Instead, the Tribe clinched the division title on September 26th and the Royals were later eliminated from playoff consideration, so the series now can have impact only for the Indians as they look to potentially get home-field advantage with three (or four) games left in the regular season.
Cleveland (91-67) had an unscheduled day off on September 29 due to rain postponing the final game of the regular season against Detroit (85-73). The game will only be made up on October 3 if there is any possible impact for the Tigers or Indians playoffs scenarios. Texas is leading the race for best record in the American League at 94-65. The Red Sox are next with a 92-67 record. Texas finishes the season against Tampa Bay, Boston wraps up against Toronto, and (in case you’re wondering) Detroit plays Atlanta.
Because Cleveland lost the season series against both Texas and Boston, the Tribe would have to finish a game ahead of each team to have any home-field advantage against them in the playoffs. So, if the Indians are a half game behind either team on October 3, then Cleveland doesn’t need to play the game. Of course, if it also has any impact on the Tigers playoffs situation, then the game would be played.
With the Indians looking for bodies to start and pitch in games to wrap up the regular season, rookie Ryan Merritt (0-0, 1.50 ERA) will make his first MLB start on September 30 at 8:15 p.m. in Kansas City. The Royals will counter with Yordano Ventura (11-11, 4.80 ERA). Ventura last pitched on September 24 against Detroit and lasted just four innings. He game up 10 hits and three runs while walking two and striking out six. Merritt has pitched in three games this season with Cleveland and has hurled six innings, giving up three hits and one run while walking none and striking out two.
Trevor Bauer (12-8, 4.26 ERA) gets the start on October 1 for the 4:15 p.m. start. Edinson Volquez (10-11, 5.37 ERA) will take the hill for the Royals. Volquez last pitched on September 25 against Detroit and threw only 2.2 innings. He gave up four runs, six hits and walked four while striking out one. For Bauer, it’s his last tuneup before the playoffs. Bauer appeared last on September 23 against the White Sox and pitched 7.2 innings giving up four runs and seven hit while walking two and striking out six to earn the win.
Josh Tomlin (12-9, 4.48 ERA) takes the hill for the Tribe on October 2 for the 3:15 p.m. scheduled start. The Royals will counter with Ian Kennedy (11-10, 3.69 ERA) in the season finale for Kansas City. Kennedy pitched against the Twins on September 27 and gave up three runs and five hits while walking three and striking out five in five innings of work. Tomlin has been impressive in his last three starts pitching 18.1 innings and giving up just three runs and 14 hits with no walks. In his last appearance on September 25 against the White Sox he gave up five hits and one run and struck out one in 6.2 innings.
Starters for any potential game against Detroit at Comerica Park have yet to be determined.
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