Cleveland Indians: Previewing the Ohio Cup rematch vs. the Reds

Probable Pitchers

RHP Mike Clevinger (CLE) vs. RHP Homer Bailey (CIN)

Mike Clevinger looks like he’s starting to improve. He allowed one run or fewer for the first time in almost two months in his last outing against the Twins. He did get roughed up for five runs against these Reds in his only matchup against them. It’ll be a good test for Sunshine to see if he can redeem himself against this homer-hitting Reds lineup.

Homer Bailey hasn’t had a sub-5.00 ERA since 2014 and this year hasn’t been any better for him. Due to some poor starts of late along with spending a month on the DL, Bailey hasn’t won a start since May 12th. D’OH! He does have one start against an AL opponent where he allowed 2 runs in eight innings.

RHP Corey Kluber (CLE) vs. RHP Sal Romano (CIN)

Corey Kluber wasn’t perfect in his last start, but he got the job done, setting the Indians up for a walk-off win against Minnesota. He did leave Chicago early with an illness but it’s said it won’t affect his start on Tuesday. Kluber has a 2.25 ERA in August and is looking to keep his monthly ERA below 3.00 for the first time since May.

Sal Romano has been fairly impressive since the All-Star break. Aside from a lone loss to the Detroit Tigers, he’s pitched well including one relief effort where he earned himself his first hold of the year. Romano face these Indians once where he allowed four runs, but we won’t talk about the rest of that game.

RHP Shane Bieber (CLE) vs. RHP Robert Stephenson (CIN)

Shane Bieber was absolutely brilliant against the White Sox in his last start. He pitched 6.2 scoreless innings and allowed just three hits while striking out eight in the process. He’s also a renown hitter apparently as he boasts a .333 batting average in his lone inter-league start. Reds pitchers beware.

Robert Stephenson made his first start of 2018 and it was not exactly what the Reds wanted to see. He three runs and five walks in the effort that lasted just four innings. He had himself quite a season in Triple-A Louisville and the Reds are hoping his 11 wins and 2.87 ERA will translate in the MLB, but he’ll have to get through a tough Indians lineup.