Chicago White Sox @ Cleveland Indians
In the wake of tragedy, it seems almost wrong to turn focus to the outcome of a game. Today, as the baseball season enters it's final week, it also lost one of the best young, charismatic, good people in the sport in Jose Fernandez. As the games play out across the country today, family, friends, players, and coaches alike will be remembering Jose. I hope that you all do as well.
The Cleveland Indians have a magic number of 2; a win from Cleveland and a loss from Detroit today will give the Tribe their first AL Central crown since 2007. In order to do their part, the Indians send Josh Tomlin to the mound to face off against LHP Carlos Rodon and the Chicago White Sox. For those interested, the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers play at 1:10 PM as well; the starting matchup there is Edison Volquez v. Matt Boyd. Go Royals (that felt dirty, I need a shower)!
Carlos Rodon is following up a solid 2015 rookie campaign with a not as solid sophomore year. In 2016, Rodon has thrown 151.0 innings and has amassed a 4.29 ERA and a similar 4.24 FIP. In that time span, Rodon has given up 72 earned runs and walked 48 while striking out 147 (good for an ERA+ of 93). His most recent start came on September 19 against the Kansas City Royals. In that game, Rodon only lasted 4.0 innings and allowed 6 earned runs on 8 base hits and 1 walk while striking out 4.
Josh Tomlin returns to the mound in an attempt to cap off a solid September with another strong performance (he's allowed 2 runs over 12.2 innings in the month of September). So far in 2016, Tomlin has thrown 160.0 innings and has a 4.61 ERA and a 4.98 FIP so far on the year. In that time, Tomlin has allowed 82 earned runs and walked 20 while striking out 114 (good for an ERA+ of 103). His most recent start came on September 20 against the Kansas City Royals. In that game, TOmlin went 6.2 innings and gave up 1 earned run on 5 hits and 0 walks while striking out 3.
And now, here's the starting 9 for your Tribe:
LET'S GO TRIBE!!!