A.M. Wahoo’s: Indians Return Home After Tough Trip

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

The Cleveland Indians headed out west with an incredible amount of momentum. They return home following a rod trip in which runs and wins were a rarity.

The Indians went 2-5 last week, scoring more than one run only one time, while being shutout twice. The good news is that the AL Central lead over the Detroit Tigers remains at 4.5 games, but the seven remaining games against the Tigers means that lead could disappear quickly.

The Indians begin a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins tonight, who are currently on a ten-game losing streak, but who own an 8-5 record against the Indians this season.

As we await tonight’s first pitch, let’s take a look at the new surrounding the Indians and the rest of the MLB in today’s edition of A.M. Wahoo’s.

Cleveland Indians News:

Josh Tomlin’s Home Run Problem May Cost Him His Job

"It is only a small sample size, but the Cleveland Indians have played terrible baseball since Monday’s game against the Oakland A’s. The only player to do well in this span is Carlos Carrasco, who threw eight shutout innings Monday night. Yet even though the team won the game 1-0, the single run was a cause for concern."

Triston McKenzie Shredding Opponents for Lake County

"The Cleveland Indians are the envy of much of Major League Baseball because of its pitching. Not just the performance of the club’s starting rotation, August’s struggles notwithstanding, but because it is young, talented, cheap, and under control for seasons to come."

Who Will the Indians Promote in September (Factory of Sadness)

"You may not know the name, but Yandy Diaz used the 2016 season to rapidly climb through the Cleveland Indians’ minor league ranks. Fans may get the chance to see the Cuban-born player at Progressive Field when the Tribe is expands their roster to 40 players Sept. 1."

On Baseball, Swoons, Slumps and Staying in it For the Long Haul (LGT)

"It gets hard sometimes to rectify baseball with modern culture. The season is so long, and you have to be so patient while it happens and appreciate the little things and meta-games and subtleties of it to really get it."

Francona Using DH Starts to Keep Napoli Fresh (indians.com)

"Mike Napoli was on his way to the field at Globe Life Park earlier this weekend when he overheard a reporter ask manager Terry Francona what the first baseman has brought to the Indians this year. Napoli stopped inside the visitors’ dugout, leaned in behind the media and waited for Francona’s response."

MLB News:

Mark Trumbo Crushes League-Leading 40th Homer of Season (FanSided)

"MLB veteran first baseman and outfielder Mark Trumbo has seen a career resurgence playing for the 2016 Baltimore Orioles. He made his second trip to the MLB All-Star this past July and has already set a career high in home runs."

Clayton Kershaw Set for Simulated Game (Call to the Pen)

"Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will take another step in his recovery Tuesday when he will toss a simulated game. Injured with a herniated disc, he has been on the disabled list since the end of June."

Orioles Sign RHP Tommy Hunter (ESPN.com)

"The Baltimore Orioles have signed right-hander Tommy Hunter, bringing him back for a sixth straight season. The Orioles announced the move before Sunday’s game against the New York Yankees. They also recalled righty Oliver Drake from Triple-A Norfolk and designated lefty T.J. McFarland and outfielder Julio Borbon for assignment."