Cleveland Indians: Previewing the weekend matchup with the White Sox

Probable Pitchers

RHP Shane Bieber (CLE) vs. LHP Carlos Rodon (CHW)

Shane Bieber actually had himself a pretty strong outing last weekend. He had the benefit of having a fully loaded Tribe bullpen behind him, but he 5.2 innings allowing just two runs in the process. It’s progress for Bieber, who had been knocked around a bit before the outing. The month of July was unkind to him as he had an ERA of 7.00 in the month. A good start to August is just what he needs to get back on track.

Carlos Rodon has faced the Indians twice this year. The first start wasn’t too shabby, he did allow two runs in five innings but he didn’t take the loss. He would take the loss in get following game when he allowed four runs in six innings of work. The story goes that the Indians have been great against lefties all season. Don’t expect to see that change in this game.

RHP Trevor Bauer (CLE) vs. RHP James Shields (CHW)

Trevor Bauer is seemingly getting better with every start. In his last outing he pitched six shutout innings en route to a 10-0 Tribe victory. His pitch count has jumped up in recent outings, but Bauer says that doesn’t bother him. If he could have it his way, he’d throw 150 pitches in an outing. Bauer has the highest WAR of any pitcher in baseball, but you don’t have to tell him that as he is perfectly aware of it.

It was a pretty good outing for James Shields in his only meeting against the Tribe. He pitched seven innings allowing just one run on four hits. He only netted two strikeouts, but he got the job done against a deadly Indians lineup. These Indians have a knack for making sub-par pitchers look like Cy Young candidates at times. While Shields is having himself a sub-par season, he’ll look to best the Tribe again.

RHP Carlos Carrasco (CLE) vs. RHP Dylan Covey (CHW)

One bad, rain-soaked pitch cost Carlos Carrasco the game on Tuesday for the Indians. The Indians were building themselves quite a comeback but they fell just short. Carrasco will hopefully look to make up for that loss against a White Sox team that he dominated earlier this year. Carrasco pitched seven shutout innings in his only outing against these White Sox.

Dylan Covey is not having a good 2018 season. There really isn’t a better way to put it. He is 1-7 with an 8.24 ERA in his last eight starts and he’s already seen his share of trouble in three starts against Cleveland this year. While he does have a win against them, his 4.41 ERA in just 16.1 innings against the Indians could have the Tribe lineup licking their chops.