The Cleveland Indians return home for a crucial three game series against the American League Central leading Minnesota Twins.
Not many expected a series beginning on June 4th would have an enormous impact on the Cleveland Indians seasons but here we are. Cleveland trails Minnesota by 11.5 games in the division. A series loss or sweep could signal the start of selling some key pieces. If there was ever a “must win” series this is it. The Indians need to come away with a series win in the worst way.
The Indians started the season in Minnesota and only managed one win in three games. However this was while the Tribe were without Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis among others. Others including Oscar Mercado, Nick Wittgren and Tyler Clippard. Also the fact that Hanley Ramirez was the designated hitter is worth mentioning. Hanley has not been with the team for some time and the DH spot is now a rotating spot for multiple players.
Cleveland will see two of Minneota’s pitchers who came away with wins in the first series of the season. Jose Berrios and Martin Perez. Berrios is still pitching extremely well while Perez has fallen off bit as of late. Devin Smeltzer starts the other game for Minnesota, this will be Smeltzer’s second career start. The Indians will start Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer and Shane Bieber. Bauer started the only game the Tribe won in the first series with the Twins.
Minnesota is absolutely mashing the ball right now and they appear to be the best team in baseball. Cleveland needs their pitching staff to shut down the Twins offense. In addition the Indians offense needs to do something they have struggled with all season. Score runs. Of course this is much easier said than done, but there is a reason the games are played. Anything can happen on any given day.
