Indians vs. Twins Game Thread (Tuesday): Josh Tomlin makes his 2014 debut

Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins

Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 7:05 p.m. ET

TV: STO (CLE), FSNO (MIN)

Radio: WTAM (CLE), TIBN (MIN)

Series Preview

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The Indians are reeling, having lost 8 of their last 10. They are in last place, already 7.5 games behind Detroit. The offense has been awful lately, and John Axford's play is raising questions about his viability as a closer. Into this mess steps Josh Tomlin, who'll make his first MLB start since July of 2012. He pitched a Maddux in his last game with Columbus, needing just 89 pitches to complete the shutout, while still managing to strike out ten hitters. Very impressive stuff. The Twins are probably a bit better an offense than the Durham Bulls though, so we'll see how things transfer. Frankly, Tomlin could pitched nine shutout innings tonight and still end up without a win, the way the Indians are swinging the bat right now.

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Today's other AL Central games

Astros (Brett Oberholtzer) @ Tigers (Robbie Ray), 7:08 ET

White Sox (Hector Noesi) @ Cubs (Edwin Jackson), 8:05 ET

Royals (Jeremy Guthrie) @ Padres (Robbie Erlin), 10:10 ET

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Today's minor-league affiliate games

Triple-A: Columbus Clippers vs. Rochester, 6:35 ET

Double-A: Akron RubberDucks (Toru Murata) @ Erie, 7:05 ET

High-A: Carolina Mudcats (Ryan Merritt) @ Lynchburg, 6:05 ET

Single-A: Lake County Captains (Dace Kime) @ West Michigan, 6:35 ET

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