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Game Thread: Josh Tomlin makes his 2018 debut against Garrett Richards and the Angels

The pitching match-up isn’t in Cleveland’s favor, but with a speed demon like Edwin Encarnacion, anything is possible.

By Tyler Griffith
MLB: Spring Training-Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Indians Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

I had the joy of watching the Indians beat the Angels 6-0 last night at Angel Stadium. Because Angel Stadium is a beautiful park and the Indians played their best game of the season to date, it was a pretty good night. Tonight, Josh Tomlin takes the mound for the first time in 2018 after having an underwhelming 2017 (141.0 IP, 78 ER, 14 BB, 109 K, 92 ERA+).

Garrett Richards is the ace of the Angels and will hopefully be able to stay healthy for the first time since 2015. The 30-year-old Tommy John recipient looked great in his limited run last season (27.2 IP, 7 ER, 7 BB, 27 K, 187 ERA+), and if he is healthy, he enters into the conversation of one of the top pitchers in the league. His first start on Opening Day, however, left a lot to be desired; in Oakland, Richards went 5.0 IP and allowed 4 earned runs on 7 hits (two of which left the yard) while walking 3 and striking out 2.

And now, here’s the starting 9 for your Tribe:

Today's Lineups

CLEVELAND INDIANS LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Francisco Lindor - SS Zack Cozart - 2B
Jason Kipnis - 2B Mike Trout - CF
Jose Ramirez - 3B Justin Upton - LF
Yonder Alonso - 1B Albert Pujols - 1B
Edwin Encarnacion - DH Kole Calhoun - RF
Lonnie Chisenhall - RF Andrelton Simmons - SS
Roberto Perez - C Luis Valbuena - 3B
Tyler Naquin - LF Shohei Ohtani - DH
Bradley Zimmer - CF Rene Rivera - C
Josh Tomlin - RHP Garrett Richards - RHP

LET’S GO TRIBE!!!

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