Things couldn't get much worse for the Tribe, coming out of a four game sweep at the hands of division rival Detroit, but they will have to pull themselves back together for any chance at the playoffs this season. They will make their next move against the sub .500 Angels who currently reside in a solid fourth place in the American League West. While they haven't played up to expectations, Los Angeles certainly can't be looked beyond as they bring a talented group of starting pitchers as well as a lineup filled with former and future All-Stars. A series win would work some magic as far as getting things back on track, but a sweep would suit them much better as the red hot Tigers so no signs of slowing down.
Game 1: August 9th, 7:05 PM EDT
Jared Weaver, RHP, 6-5, 2.90 ERA vs Scott Kazmir, LHP, 7-4, 3.89 ERA
Game 2: August 10th, 7:05 PM EDT
C.J. Wilson, LHP, 11-6, 3.49 ERA vs Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP, 8-6, 4.18 ERA
In addition to moving Jimenez out of the Detroit series (a move that ended up not mattering at all), the Indians are bumping him back a game in this series as well. This will allow Kazmir to face the Angels' ace and get an extra start in before the upcoming off day on Monday. It is possible the Indians will use this off day to move Jimenez back in the rotation again next time through. With Danny Salazar now in the fold, Jimenez is by far the weakest part of the rotation and the Indians may be phasing him out in preparation of the return of Josh Tomlin with the expectation that he will continue to regress as he has in his last few starts.
Game 3: August 11th, 1:05 PM EDT
Jerome Williams, RHP, 5-8, 4.77 ERA vs Justin Masterson, RHP, 13-8, 3.46 ERA
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