Series preview: Red Sox at Indians (June 2-June 4)

The Tribe goes for their third straight home series sweep when the Boston Red Sox visit Progressive Field.

• Monday's game is at 7:05 PM (Lackey vs. Masterson)
• Tuesday's game is at 7:05 PM (Peavy vs. House)
• Wednesday's game is at 7:07 PM (Workman vs. Kluber)

Thursday will be an off day before the Indians head on the road for a grueling three city venture. They will play four games in Texas with the Rangers, two games in Kansas City with the Royals, and another four games in Boston, all without a day off.

Division Watch: Blue Jays at Tigers, Royals vs. Cardinals (two at each park), Twins vs. Brewers (two at each park), White Sox at Dodgers.

Team in a Box

Just a week ago, the Red Sox were pretty much written off as they had lost ten straight, eight games back of the Blue Jays in the East, and just two games in front of the Astros for worst record in the AL. What a difference a week makes. After that huge dustup with the Rays last Sunday, they swept the home and home series with NL East leading Braves and exacted revenge on the Rays in Fenway this past weekend.

I am not quite sure what to make of the team stats though. The offense has not been up to usual standards for the reigning World Series champs, and the pitching staff has been just so-so overall. The defense is also middle of the pack. And they are doing all of this with a full disabled list. Two starters, their first baseman, third baseman and right fielder are all out right now.

Projected Roster

EDIT: There were numerous moves made today (after this was written) that change the Red Sox roster: Carp now has fracture on his foot and has been DL'ed. Daniel Nava was recalled to take his rsoter spot. Holt will shift over to first. Drew is going to start at short with Bogaerts moving over to third and Cecchini back down to Pawtucket.

With Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli and Will Middlebrooks all out battling injuries, the lineup has undergone some major shuffling. The Middlebrooks injury forced the Red Sox to re-sign SS Stephen Drew, who is expected to make his 2014 debut against the Indians, possibly even on Monday. Bogaerts will probably move over to third base.

Holt has been playing well now that he has an opportunity, including a 4 for 4 game yesterday, with all four hits being doubles. Ortiz has been his usual self, driving in plenty of runs and 12 homers already. Pedroia has been nicked up and was ejected from yesterday's game. Sizemore has had a few key hits along the way, but seems to doing fine in his backup role.

Projected Staff

Thankfully we miss the lefty Lester, who usually gives the Tribe fits. The other normal lefty, Felix Doubrant, is hurt as is Clay Buchholz. Lackey had a rough April, but has pitched 13.1 scoreless innings in his past two starts. He has made 17 starts against the Indians in his career, including just two hits in 7 innings and 8 strikeouts last season. Peavy has been roughed up in May, 5.89 ERA and a 1.528 WHIP. He has 11 career starts against Cleveland, with last year's start a gem, 1 run, 5 hits and 11 punchouts in 7 innings. Workman took the last two turns in the rotation, both against the Rays and was serviceable. He has never faced the Indians.

What Uehara has done in the past year and almost a half has been nothing short of amazing. In 97 innings he has allowed just 49 hits, 12 walks and 134 strikeouts. Absolutely ridiculous. The rest of the pen has been very good with the exception of LGFTs Mujica and Breslow.

On the Shelf

• SP Clay Buchholz [15 day DL], possibly mid-June
• SP Felix Doubrant [15 day DL] , possibly early June
• 1B Mike Napoli [15 day DL], no timetable for return
• RF Shane Victorino [15 day DL], no timetable for return
• 3B Will Middlebrooks [15 day DL], no timetable for return
• C Ryan Lavarnway [15 day DL], just DL'ed, no timetable for return
• RP Steven Wright [60 day DL], no timetable for return
• SP Ryan Dempster [restricted list], personal reasons

Almanac

*Does not include 2014 stats