A.M. Wahoo’s: Indians Lose Series to Oakland A’s

Taking a look at the news surrounding the Cleveland Indians and the rest of the MLB.

The Cleveland Indians went to Oakland on the heels of an 8-3 homestand that included two memorable walk-off wins.

A 1-0 win Monday night was a great start to the trip, but Tuesday and Wednesday were much different stories. The Indians managed to score one run in each of the series’ three games and head to Texas with concerns about several players on the team.

Starting pitchers Josh Tomlin and Danny Salazar are major question marks, while the offense as a whole needs to channel the motivation that came during that 8-3 stretch.

While the Indians prepare for the Rangers, let’s take a look at the news surrounding the team and the rest of the MLB in today’s edition of A.M. Wahoo’s.

Cleveland Indians news:

3 Takeaways from the Indians’ 5-1 Loss to Oakland

"This was an ugly series for the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe managed to score just three runs in three games against the Oakland Athletics, capped off by a 5-1 loss on Wednesday afternoon. Cleveland fell to 72-53 on the season, and could see its lead in the American League Central shrink to 5.5 games by night’s end."

Cleveland Indians: Minor Leaguer Bobby Bradley Moving Up Prospect Rankings

"The Cleveland Indians have gotten plenty of offensive production in 2016 from the first base-designated hitter combination of Mike Napoli and Carlos Santana, as the pair have combined to hit 56 home runs and drive in 151 runs heading into play on Wednesday afternoon."

Should Danny Salazar Have Made a Rehab Start? (Factory of Sadness)

"Indians pitcher Danny Salazar went from being the Tribe’s first-half ace to the Team’s biggest question mark since going on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation earlier this month. Salazar got roughed up for the second straight outing–this time by the Oakland A’s Tuesday night."

Roberto Perez Does Unthinkable in 9-1 Loss to A’s (Let’s Go Tribe)

"You would be hard-pressed to find a bigger Roberto Perez cheerleader than me, especially after his recent struggles, but even I cannot deny he has looked really bad this season. Coming into today’s game, Perez was 7-for-90, with just three extra-base hits (all doubles) to his name. Sure, he was still walking a lot, but his awful hitting had him getting on base at just a .244 clip. Then he did the unthinkable…"

Tribe Wants Consistency From Salazar In Between Starts (indians.com)

"When Danny Salazar took a major step forward last season, the Indians were quick to praise the pitcher’s diligence behind the scenes. Now, Cleveland wants the right-hander to get back to the solid routine that helped him emerge as one of the game’s top young arms."

MLB news:

Pujols Passes McGwire for 10th on All-Time HR List (FanSided)

"Albert Pujols is beginning to put his name in rarefied air. With one out in the first inning, the Los Angeles Angels designated hitter took Marco Estrada of the Toronto Blue Jays deep. Pujols’ home run, his 24th of the year, pushed him past Mark McGwire into 10th place on MLB’s all-time home run standings."

A’s Looking at Potential Waterfront Park (Call to the Pen)

"Back when I was in college, I gave a speech about a potential ballpark solution for the A’s that had been in the media at the time. I don’t remember which proposal it was at that time as there have been seemingly endless options over the last decade plus, none of which have come to fruition."

White Sox Changing Ballpark Name to Guaranteed Rate Field (ESPN.com)

"Maybe the Chicago White Sox will change their luck by changing the name of their stadium. No guarantees, though. The ballpark currently called U.S. Cellular Field will become known as Guaranteed Rate Field starting in November. The team and the mortgage company announced on Wednesday a 13-year naming rights deal."