Indians Monday Game Thread: Justin Masterson kicks off series against Angels

Cleveland Indians @ Los Angeles Angels

Monday, April 28, 2014, 10:05 p.m. ET

TV: STO (CLE), FSW (LAA)

Radio: WTAM (CLE), KLAA (LAA)

Series Preview

The Indians head down to SoCal tonight to face the middling Angels of Anaheim. Justin Masterson takes the mound to kick off the series against Angels lefty Tyler Skaggs.

Masterson was just good enough to get the W in his last time out, giving up three runs over 6.1 vs. the Royals. The Tribe offense backed him with five runs that game, "outburst" we'd all be thrilled to see after this past weekend, when the Indians only scored four runs over the course of a three-game sweep by the Giants. Masty has put together a few quality starts in a row, but still appears to be struggling with decreased velocity. He'll need to really step it up against the rejuvenated Albert Pujols and always dangerous Mike Trout.

On the offensive side, the trio of Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher, and Jason Kipnis have been heating up at the top of the lineup, and they'll look to strike early against the young Skaggs, who has had a great year so far. The only notable thing in today's lineup is that Carlos Santana continues to occupy the cleanup spot despite his struggles, but perhaps this is the series where things start to finally break his way.

Let's go, Tribe!

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Today's other AL Central games

Tampa Bay Rays (Jake Odorizzi) @ Chicago White Sox (Andre Rienzo), 8:10 p.m. ET

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Today's Indians minor league affiliate games

AAA: Columbus Clippers @ Norfolk Tides, POSTPONED

AA: Akron RubberDucks (Will Roberts) vs. Binghamton Mets, 6:35 p.m. p.m. ET

High A: Carolina Mudcats (Ryan Merritt) @ Frederick Keys, 7:00 p.m. ET

Low A: Lake County Captains (Adam Plutko) vs. West Michigan Whitecaps, 6:35 p.m. ET