Cleveland Indians: Previewing the two-game series in Puerto Rico

Pitching Matchups

Corey Kluber vs Jake Odorizzi

Corey Kluber missed his chance to start against Toronto due to the inclement weather in Cleveland. Things should be just a bit nicer in Puerto Rico.  Kluber only started one game against the Twins last year where he was a no decision after allowing two runs in seven innings.

He’s had success in his career overall against Minnesota, going 8-5 with a 3.31 ERA in 19 starts. In fact, Joe Mauer is the only current Twins hitter batting over .200 against Kluber. As for Jake Odorizzi, he will be starting against Cleveland for just the second time in four years. In that one start, he earned a win despite allowing four earned runs in six innings.

Odorizzi was traded from the Rays this offseason and has been off to a terrific start for his new team. He has an ERA of 2.20 in three starts for the Twins. While he is only 1-0, the Twins have had some trouble blowing leads at times.

Carlos Carrasco vs Jose Berrios

Carlos Carrasco was also set to start this weekend until the midwest weather changed the plans for much of baseball. Last time Carrasco was on the hill he pitched a complete game against the Tigers. Cookie was 3-0 against the Twins last year after Minnesota had held his number in years prior.  In those three starts he allowed only two earned runs.

He’ll face off against Jose Berrios. Berrios is playing just 20 minutes away from his home town of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The young Berrios had a remarkable 2017 season, going 14-8 with a 3.89 ERA. He only faced the Tribe once last year but in that start he had a 1.17 ERA pitching 7.2 innings. Berrios has allowed five runs this year in three outings. All five of those runs came in one game against the Seattle Mariners.