The Cleveland Indians will begin their post All-Star Break playoff push run at home in a three game series against the Minnesota Twins.
It is not possible for the Cleveland Indians to win the division this weekend but there is the possibility they could indeed lose it. The Tribe face the division leading Minnesota Twins at home for a three game series. Currently on a six-game winning streak, Cleveland currently trails Minnesota by 5.5 games. It is crucial that the Indians at least win the series this weekend to gain some ground. A series loss could have a massive impact on the Indians long-term and short-term roster decisions.
Cleveland will send their three best pitchers currently in their rotation to face Minnesota. The trio of Mike Clevinger, Trevor Bauer and All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber. These three should give Cleveland more than a fair chance to win this series. Minnesota is also sending their three best pitchers to face the Tribe in Kyle Gibson, Jake Odorizzi and Jose Berrios. Both teams are putting themselves in positions they feel will help them come out victorious.
Offensively Cleveland has turned things around since the beginning of the season. Carlos Santana has been the driving force all season long. Add in the production from Francisco Lindor and the Indians have two very good hitters producing at the same time. There is also the outfielders who are hitting much better right now than earlier in the season. Oscar Mercado, Jake Bauers and Tyler Naquin have solidified their spots in the outfield for the time being. Of course a trade could bring in another outfielder to compete with Naquin and Bauers or could push them to perform even better.
Cleveland will need to do everything they can to win this series against Minnesota. If not, a series of events that fans will not like may take place and that is not what anyone wants.
