Cleveland Indians: Previewing the weekend duel with the A’s

Probable pitchers

RHP Trevor Bauer (CLE) vs RHP Paul Blackburn (OAK)

It’s been more of the same for Trevor Bauer. He pitched another beauty against the Detroit Tigers as he helped the Tribe roll to their sixth straight win. He struck out 11 over 6.1 innings. This was his sixth start with 10+ strikeouts. Bauer has a 2.09 ERA in the Month of June and it seems like he’s only getting better as the year goes on.

It’s been a year to forget for Paul Blackburn, his 8.83 ERA can be attributed to that. After allowing one earned run in his first start he’s allowed 16 runs in the next three outings. Blackburn missed all of April and May and he’s been inconsistent since his return.

RHP Adam Plutko (CLE) vs RHP Edwin Jackson (OAK)

Adam Plutko rebounded nicely after his struggles against the White Sox. He pitched six innings allowing two runs. He had a WHIP of 1.00 with no walks. Plutko has been competing for the fifth starter spot, but Shane Bieber has been simply unbeatable. Still Plutko has a chance to stay in the competition with another good outing.

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Edwin Jackson will be making his second start of the year against the Tribe. His first came against the Tigers and it was a good one. He allowed just one run on six hits without walking anybody. He struck out seven Tiger hitters and finished with a 1.50 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. He’ll have his hands full with a powerful Tribe offense.

RHP Mike Clevinger (CLE) vs RHP Frankie Montas (OAK)

Mike Clevinger didn’t get much run support in his last outing; although it wasn’t his best. Clevinger only made it through five innings with four strikeouts. He said he had leg cramps which may have played into his command issues. He still has a 2.54 ERA and six wins. Aside from two losses to the Astros, he’s rebounded from bad outings nicely.

Frankie Montas has returned nicely since his stint on the DL. He’s 4-1 but his last start has greatly boosted his ERA. He allowed six earned runs over three innings and had only one strikeout. His 13 walks do not bode well with his low 22 strikeouts.