Series Preview: Seattle Mariners vs. Cleveland Indians

New Faces Looking to Make Most of Opportunity With Indians

I hope everyone enjoyed the Lonnie Chisenhall and Jose Ramirez experience, because unbeknownst to all of us Sunday was the last time we’ll see the not so dynamic duo for the foreseeable future. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take this time to observe a moment of silence for two players that “just died and went to the minors.”

Now that we got that out of the way, it’s time to get back to business.

In place of Chisenhall and Ramirez, the Indians have called up two guys not named Francisco Lindor. I’ll give you a minute to let that digest. Go a head, take your time to feel all the feels and let your rage subside. I’ll wait.

All better? Good.

As I was saying, the Indians have called up Zach Walters, who is no stranger to the limelight after his brief audition last season and earlier this year, and Giovanny Urshela. For many of you, the name Giovanny Urshela is probably cause for confusion. With all of the hype surrounding Lindor, it’s easy to forget that the Indians have other prospects with this thing commonly referred to as talent. Urshela, a third baseman by trade, has a lot of it. Thus explaining his #4 overall ranking within the organization.

When the Tribe takes the field tonight, the expectation should be to see Mike Aviles manning shortstop. He has earned the starting nod thanks to his solid play. Terry Francona‘s decision to start him at short in four of the past five games should also be an indication that he is the favorite for the position as of now and will have every opportunity to keep the job before Lindor is called up. Meanwhile, Urshela will more than likely start at third and bat in either the 7th or 8th spot in the lineup.

Jun 4, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Mark Trumbo (35) watches the play at the plate after getting his first hit as a Mariner in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Moving on from the roster changes made on Sunday, the Indians come into tonight’s game against the Mariners on a disappointing note. Note only did they just see two of their teammates demoted, but they are also coming off of a weekend series against the Orioles that saw them drop two of three and not play all that well. Things won’t get any easier either. The Seattle Mariners head to town looking to avenge losing three out of four to the tribe two weekends ago in Seattle.

However, making things a bit easier for the Indians is the fact that they will once again miss Felix Hernandez. I don’t know how exactly, but in seven games this year in about two weeks, the Indians will have completely avoided one of the best pitchers in the game today. That my friends is luck.

Many of the things I said about the Mariners a week and a half ago still apply today. For that reason I won’t attempt to rehash them in-depth. Just know that the Mariners are still struggling, especially offensively.

Things have been so bad, they actually made a significant move since the last time we saw them. The Mariners recently acquired Mark Trumbo from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trumbo is a power hitter without a real position. The Diamondbacks had been reduced to playing Trumbo in the outfield where he struggled mightily. The Mariners will switch him back and forth between first and DH with the hope that he will add an instant spark to their offense. So far that hasn’t happened as Trumbo is only 2 for his first 16 as a Mariner.

I know I have been saying this a lot lately, but this is once again an opportunity for the Indians to make up ground and get back up over the .500 mark. They have a track record of success against the Mariners, especially of late, and have the good fortune to not have to face Felix Hernandez. Opportunities don’t get much better than that. With the Tigers looming on the horizon later this week, it is crucial that the Indians get on a roll and build some positive momentum heading into a series with a team they routinely struggle with.

Probable Pitching Match-Ups:

Roenis Elias (2-3, 2.94 ERA/1.25 WHIP) vs. Corey Kluber (3-6, 3.61/1.13)

Taijuan Walker (5.80/1.47) vs. Trevor Bauer (5-2, 2.94/1.18)

J.A. Happ (3-1, 3.31/1.24) vs. Shaun Marcum (2-1, 5.19/1.31)

Next: Apple Helps Brandon Moss