Series preview: Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins

As the Tribe opens this home stand with the Minnesota Twins, they find themselves in last place, nine games under .500. This is the sixth time they have reached that depth, thus far managing to avoid going any lower.

• Friday 7:10 PM: Mike Pelfrey (R) vs. Cody Anderson (R)
• Saturday 7:10 PM: Ervin Santana (R) vs. Trevor Bauer (R)
• Sunday 1:10 PM: Phil Hughes (R) vs. Corey Kluber (R)

The Upcoming Schedule: After the Twins depart, the Tribe will take Monday off. They then get their first look at the New York Yankees this season as they visit Progressive for three games. Immediately after, the Indians depart on a three city trip, Minnesota, Boston and New York.

Division Watch: White Sox at Royals, Red Sox at Tigers.

Team in a Box

In a scheduling quirk, these division rivals have only played two series so far this season, with the Twins taking two of three both times. They haven't played since early May. After that second series, the Twins got fairly hot and even landed in first place of the Central in early June. But since then, they have been stuck in second place in the division, with last night's loss to Toronto dropping them to 0.500. Since the All-Star break, they have been ice cold, winning just five of nineteen games and are on a five game losing streak.

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Offensively they can't get on base very well, but still score decently enough. And pitching wise, they are a conundrum. They barely walk anyone, leading the league, but allow the second most hits and strike out the fewest batters.

Projected Roster

As these team haven't met in three months, there has been some decent turnover. Eduardo Escobar has taken over at short for Danny Santana. Taking his place in left field is Eddie Rosario. Top prospects Miguel Sano and Bryan Buxton both arrived, although Buxton is now on the DL. Santana, Kennys Vargas, Oswaldo Arcia and Chris Herrmann were all optioned out. Jordan Schafer was released and Doug Bernier was outrighted.

Yesterday Eric Fryer, their backup catcher was DFA'ed, so they now only have two guys on the bench and that leaves Mauer as the emergency catcher. I would expect Herrmann to be recalled at some point in this series. They also have anotehr open spot, so Buxton might also be activated off the DL.

In the past two weeks, Rosario (983 OPS), Sano (961) and Hicks (892) have led the offense. Sano, Hunter and Dozier all have cranked three home runs. Maeur (450 OPS) and Suzuki (560) have really struggled.

In the first two series between these two teams, Hunter was the scary monster with a 1448 OPS, three home runs and nine driven in. Dozier has two solo shots and a 922 OPS. Plouffe, who took 2014 in killing the Tribe is back at it this year, with a 1275 OPS. Escobar is the only current regular who struggled those first two series, 583 OPS.

Projected Staff

#includes stats with Rays

Pelfrey pitched a gem against the Mariners last time out and has a 3.19 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 4.1 K/9 in his last five starts. He has won both of his starts against the Tribe this year, with three runs, nine hits and six Ks in 12 innings. Santana missed the first 80 games of the season as he was suspended. He looked great against the A's and Angels, but the Pirates hit him hard. He is just 3-9 in his 17 career Tribe starts, with a 1.19 WHIP, 7.0 K/9 and 4.09 ERA. Hughes looked great against the Yankees three starts ago, but has basically struggled in his past five starts, 3.94 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 4.8 K/9. The Tribe has hit him hard in his two starts this year, eight runs, 18 hits in 13 innings, but he still won one of the two.

Boyer, Perkins and Duensing have not been scored upon by the Indians this year, with Graham the only other current reliever who has pitched against them. Between those four, they have a 1.03 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 7.3 K/9.

On the Shelf

• CF Bryan Buxton [15 day DL], possible mid-August return, on AAA rehab
• SP Tom Milone [15 day DL], possible mid-August return
• SP Ricky Nolasco [60 day DL], possible September return
• P Ryan Pressley [60 day DL], possible late August return

Almanac

*Does not include 2015 stats

Prediction: As poorly the Tribe has played this year at home and with how teams that are struggling seem to get their groove back when they play, I still am calling for a series win. Maybe I'm just crazy.