Cleveland Indians: Previewing the Players’ Weekend series

Probable Pitchers

RHP Sunshine (CLE) vs. RHP B.K. (KC)

Mike Clevinger (Sunshine) took the rubber-match against the Orioles last Sunday, and did it in style, striking out seven through six innings. The question surrounding him right now is if he can stay consistent. It seems like every time he’s getting back on track, a bad start derails him. Fortunately he’s facing a team that he’s owned this season. Sunshine has a 1.80 ERA in two starts against Kansas City in 2018.

Brad Keller (B.K.) is having himself a respectable rookie season. Hell, he pitched 4.1 shutout innings against the Indians in his lone start against them. That’s pretty good for a rookie pitcher. He has a 3.32 overall ERA on the year, but he’s likely earned himself a permanent spot in the Royals rotation for the time being.

RHP Kluber (CLE) vs. RHP Filly (KC)

Corey Kluber (Kluber) refuses to don the nickname “Klubot” or “Klubes” as he had last year. What else would you expect from the most stoic pitcher in baseball. He did yield three runs to the Red Sox on Monday, but thanks to some good run support, he picked up the win after 6.1 innings. With Chris Sale and Trevor Bauer on the DL for the foreseeable future, Corey Kluber finds himself right back in the mix for his third AL Cy Young award.

Heath Fillmyer (Filly) is another rookie pitcher for the Royals. His numbers aren’t as impressive as Kellers’ but he’s been faced with a slew of losses. The Royals have lost every game he’s started this year outside of an earned victory over the Cubs.

RHP Not Justin (CLE) vs. RHP Jorge Lopez (KC)

Shane Bieber (Not Justin) has arguably the best nickname of players weekend. He also had an elite performance against the Red Sox on Tuesday. He held the Red Sox scoreless for six innings before allowing three runs in the seventh. He even had a no-hitter working into the fourth, which is hard to do against that Boston lineup. Bieber is 3-1 in his last seven starts, but he’ll look to improve upon his 4.36 ERA.

This will be Jorge Lopez‘s third start with the Royals. He had a tremendous 2017 season with 10 wins and a 2.75 ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers, but that hasn’t quite translated to his days with Kansas City. He has a dismal 6.52 ERA in two starts with the Royals, and will have his hands full with this loaded Tribe lineup.