Pregame Notes: Cleveland Indians Kluber Faces off against the White Sox Samardzija in Matinee Finale

Tribe turn to Kluber for series win

The Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox both expected to be battling in the standing, they just thought it would be closer to the top. The two will meet in the rubber game of the three-game set, as the Tribe send

(0-1, 2.49) to the bump to face the Sox

(0-1, 4.29).

Kluber has looked just like the reigning AL Cy Young winner for the Indians (5-8), but doesn’t have much to show for it. Samardzija can relate, as he put up impressive numbers with the Cubs last season, but didn’t get his first win till May 26. Kluber is running into the same issues this season in Cleveland. Pitching well, but no run support.

The Tribe finally managed to have a solid game offensively, putting up six against the White Sox in the second game. But this may be a game with runs hard to come by with these two pitchers on the mound.

The White Sox (5-8) finally made the call for the highly touted Carlos Rodon, but his debut was less than magical, allowing two runs in 2 1/3 innings. For Samardzija, it will be his first appearance against the Indians. After facing David Price of the Tigers last week, there is not break as he faces Kluber today.

News and Notes:

• Only Michael Bourn has an extensive history against Samardzija, going 5-for-10 with two doubles. He’s the only player with at least 10 at-bats against him.
• Fourteen of the last 22 games between the clubs have been decided by two runs or fewer.
• Kluber has made eight consecutive starts in which he went at least six innings while allowing two or fewer runs.
• Ryan Raburn is hitting .328 with 13 doubles, 11 home runs and 50 RBIs in 63 career games at U.S. Cellular Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. EST, and will be televised on MLBN and CSN.

Here are the lineups for today’s game:

Next: Series Previes: Chicago White Sox