Indians vs. Athletics Game Thread (Sunday): Justin Masterson out to salvage pride

Oakland Athletics @ Cleveland Indians

Sunday, May 18, 2014, 1:05 p.m. ET, Progressive Field

TV: STO (CLE), CSCA (OAK)

Radio: WTAM (CLE), KGMZ (OAK)

Series Preview

LGT's Q&A with Athletics Nation

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Justin Masterson toes the mound for the Indians this afternoon in search of a win the Tribe desperately need if they want to avoid being swept by those Athletic men from Oakland. Masterson didn't have much success in his last start in Toronto and will be looking for a better performance today. He currently sits with a 4.31 ERA and a 2-2 record, and could really do with a good outing to turn his season around. His opponent is Jesse Chavez and the A's have won 7 of his 8 starts. He has a 3-1 record with a 2.44 ERA.

After I pleaded yesterday for the Indians to give Lonnie Chisenhall his everyday job, Terry Francona has obliged and inserted Lonnie into the lineup today. Okay, naturally he's up against a right-handed starter so of course Francona puts him in, but maybe, just maybe, I helped a little bit. The infield as a whole have a different look about them today as Asdrubal Cabrera gets the day off with Mike Aviles playing short instead. Speedster Jose Ramirez is at second base and can hopefully use his lightning-fast legs to devastating effect.

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Today's other AL Central games

White Sox (John Danks) @ Astros (Brad Peacock), 2:10 ET

Orioles (Ubaldo Jimenez) @ Royals (James Shields), 2:10 ET

Mariners (Felix Hernandez) @ Twins (Ricky Nolasco), 2:10 ET

Tigers (Anibal Sanchez) @ Red Sox (Jake Peavy), 8:05 ET

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Today's Indians minor league affiliate games

Triple-A: Columbus Clippers (TBD) @ Syracuse, 2:00 ET

Double-A: Akron RubberDucks (Cody Anderson) @ Erie, 1:35 ET

High-A: Carolina Mudcats (Shawn Morimando) vs. Salem, 2:00 ET

Single-A: Lake County Captains (Jordan Milbrath) @ West Michigan, 1:00 ET

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