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Last night
The Indians won their series opener against the White Sox, despite a shaky game by staff ace Corey Kluber, getting home runs from David Murphy and Nick Swisher, and excellent work from a trip of relievers. The Indians are back to .500 for the first time in three weeks.
Cleveland.com recap (Dennis Manoloff)
Ohio.com recap (August Fagerstrom)
Other Tribe items
The Indians have called up Austin Adams from Columbus and optioned T.J. House. For House, this is about getting him some work, since he won't be needed in the Tribe rotation for more than a week, due to the All-Star break. For Adams, a 27-year-old righty, this means a chance to make his MLB debut. Zach McAllister is being called up to start on Saturday, and one of the ten relievers currently on the roster will be sent down to make room.
The Tribe clubhouse was abuzz about Lebron James returning to the Cavs. Nick Swisher seems especially worked up, perhaps because his big contract is no longer the one that matters most to Cleveland sports fans. Even noted Chicago Bulls fan Jason Kipnis is excited:
Gonna be hard for @ESPN to ignore Cleveland sports much longer! City is gonna be electric!! Happy for this city and it's fans! #WelcomeHome
— Jason Kipnis (@TheJK_Kid) July 11, 2014
This year's 22nd-round pick, Ben Heller signed for just $2,500, but has already moved up to the High-A Carolina League, where he's serving as the Mudcats' closer. His early progression is reminiscent of what we saw from Cody Allen after he was drafted.
FanGraphs is not impressed by Indians prospect Adam Plutko.
LGFT Tom Veryzer passed away this week after having a stroke. He played for the Indians from 1978 to 1981, serving as the team's shortstop in those years and collected 364 hits in 463 games. Joe Posnanski recalls being there for Veryzer's best game with the team.
Around MLB
Grady Sizemore made his Phillies debut Friday night, going 1 for 4 with a single and a run scored.
Over at Sports on Earth, Michael Clair has some ideas for how to spruce up the All-Star break, one of which involves Bartolo Colon swinging for the fences.
Just because
via mlb.com
Sure, it bounced, but the ump called it strike. Why? It's not wise to upset a Wookiee.