The Cleveland Indians Square off Against the Minnesota Twins In A Crucial Three-Game Series

Pitching Probables

Trevor Bauer (9-6, 3.88 ERA) will face off against Hector Santiago (10-8, 5.16) in game one. Bauer took a loss his last time out, giving up three earned runs in 6.2 innings against the A’s. Santiago will make his first start in nine days due to a bruised thumb. He has not pitched well since the Twins acquired him, giving up 23 runs in four starts.

Game two will pit Josh Tomlin (11-8, 4.70) against Andrew Albers (0-0, 4.31). Albers has made two appearances out of the bullpen this year, and has struck out six batters in 8.1 innings. This could be the start that decides the rest of Tomlin’s 2016, as he has gone 0-5 with a 10.80 ERA in August. The longball has plagued the righty this year, as he leads the majors in home runs given up with 34.

The series finale will feature Corey Kluber (14-8, 3.07) going against Pat Dean (1-4, 6.24). Kluber’s pitching as of late has made him a legitimate Cy Young candidate, posting a 4-0 record with a 2.20 ERA in August. Dean struggled his last time out, giving up six runs over three innings in a loss to the Blue Jays.

Next: Josh Tomlin's HR Problem Could Cost Him His Job

After the debacle in Oakland and Texas, Cleveland needs a solid homestand. At 39-23 and with a .293 team batting average at Progressive Field, the odds seem to favor the Indians. But the Twins have been a thorn in the club’s paw all season long, and their August performance notwithstanding, will constitute a serious challenge for the Tribe.