Cleveland Indians Series Preview: Chicago White Sox, September 12-September 15

After a tense series with the Royals, the Indians head back to Chicago one last time for a four game series with the White Sox. Thursday's game is an 8:10 PM start, Friday's game is at 2:10 PM, Saturday's game is at 7:10 PM with the Sunday finale is at 2:10 PM. After the game, the Indians conclude this short trip with a three game set in Kansas City.

Scoreboard Watch: Orioles at Blue Jays, Royals at Tigers, Rays at Twins, A's at Rangers, Yankees at Red Sox

Team in a Box

*all stats thru Tuesday's games except for records.

The White Sox just finished losing two of three, but that occurred after one of the franchise's worst road trips ever. They took a tour of the Eastern seaboard and lost nine in a row to Boston, New York and Baltimore before salvaging the final game to finish 1-9. As you can see below, the lineup is fairly atrocious and the season numbers above do reflect that. They are dead last in runs and slugging and second to last in on base percentage. The pitching has been alright at times, but as we well know, when a team can't hit, it is tough to win games. Oh, and they lead the league in errors to boot. That always gives the pitchers confidence. But as we know, this team almost always plays us tough (the four game sweep earlier this season not withstanding). With the Tribe in the playoff hunt, a sweep is almost a necessity after losing two of three to the Royals. But if we pulled off a sweep, that would be our third four game sweep of them in one season, twice on the road. I don't like those odds.

Projected Lineup

With Alex Rios and his massive contract finally moving on, prospect Avisail Garcia (109 OPS+) was slotted to get some time in right, but Jordan Danks has been playing more often recently. Beckham was finally given his job back, relegating weak hitting Jeff Keppinger (53 OPS+) back to the bench. But still, this lineup almost has no punch whatsoever. Their best hitter is Dunn and he is having a down year. The other bench options consist of Leury Garcia (29 PA), Marcus Semien (8 PA), Bryan Anderson (7 PA) and Miguel Gonzalez (1 PA)

Projected Starters

Hmmm, three lefties in four games. That is the second time this season we've faced three lefties from the White Sox and the last series went extremely well. Danks has been a bit of a mess lately, 4.23 ERA in his past seven starts, nine homers, 1.411 WHIP, 6.2 K/9 and a 2-4 record. He has only faced us once, pitching a beaut, two hits, two runs no walks and four strikeouts in a no-decision. Santiago is only 1-2 in his last seven starts but has avoided some disasters. He has a 3.72 ERA, but 1.655 WHIP, and 6.8 K/9 in just 38.2 innings. He also made just one start against the Indians, but it was a disaster, seven hits, five runs, three walks and five strikeouts in just 2.1 innings. Rienzo made his debut against us on July 30. He pitched ok, six hits, three walks, three runs and six strikeouts in seven innings. He was cuffed around by Houston and Boston in two of his last three starts. He was good against the Orioles in his last outing, getting that lone victory on the road trip. Sale has been his usual self lately. He has a 3.38 ERA and 1.091 WHIP, 8.9 K/9 and 5-2 in his past eight starts, covering 58.2 innings. But he has really struggled against the Indians this season. He is 0-3 in three starts, 8.31 ERA, 1.615 WHIP and 9.9 K/9 in just 17.1 innings.

Key Relievers

Reed has had a good season as closer. He has 37 saves, only 5 blown, and a 5-1 record. He did not do well in Baltimore last week though, three runs in 1.2 innings. The Indians have also teed off on him, seven hits, six runs, two walks, five strikeouts in just five innings and two of his blown saves. Jones moved up in the pecking order in August and has been very good, 3.10 ERA, seven holds, 1.082 WHIP and 12.0 K/9 covering 16 appearances. The Tribe has also hit him very hard, nine hits, six runs, one walk, two strikeouts in just 4.1 innings. Lindstrom has been fantastic over the past month or so. He has a sparkling 0.60 ERA, 1.067 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 covering 17 appearances. He has made four appearances, but only has 1.2 innings, seven hits, three runs, no walks and two strikeouts. Ramon Troncoso (84 ERA+), David Purcey (343), Donnie Veal (79), Dylan Axelrod (78), Jake Petricka (10 IP) and Charles Leesman (11.1 IP) round out the bullpen.

On the Shelf

• SP Gavin Floyd (Tommy John surgery) - 60-day DL, out for season
• C Tyler Flowers (right shoulder surgery) - 60-day DL, out for season
• RP Brian Omogrosso (right elbow surgery) - 60-day DL, out for season

Floyd underwent surgery in May and hopes to return by late next season. Flowers injury has given prospect Josh Phegley his shot. Omogorsso is a bullpen arm.

Almanac

*Does not include 2013 stats