Game Thread: Cleveland Indians vs Toronto Blue Jays

Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

After returning to .500 the Toronto Blue Jays (20-20) look to continue the winning streak against the Cleveland Indians (18-21) as the Indians send out Corey Kluber (3-3, 3.48) takes on Dustin McGowan (2-1, 4.63)tonight at the Rogers Centre at 7:07 PM ET.

The Blue Jays take on a Corey Kluber who has been on a tear lately. In his last four starts Corey has pitched to a 1.91 ERA and has allowed 3 runs or less in 6 of his 8 starts this season. He seems to have the ability to strikeout batters at will, evident by his 57 strikeouts in 51.2 IP (including a 13 and an 11 strikeout games). Armed with a low to mid 90’s fastball, a cutter, a curveball, and a change-up, the Blue Jays look to have their hands full tonight.

Since putting on the insulin pump during his starts, McGowan has put up good numbers (1-0, 2.50 ERA in  3 starts). I see no reason for this trend to stop. His fastball still has that mid 90’s velocity and he complements that with a hard breaking ball and a good change-up. McGowan is finally making fans understand why Toronto didn’t give up on him after so many surgeries and time rehabbing from the injuries. If McGowan (a former first round draft pick) fulfills his potential then he may be the staff ace that Toronto needs so badly.

Cleveland Indians Lineup

Michael Bourn CF
Nick Swisher 1B
Michael Brantley LF
Carlos Santana 3B
Asdrubal Cabrera SS
David Murphy RF
Yan Gomes C
Lonnie Chisenhall DH
Mike Aviles 2B

Cory Kluber P

Toronto Blue Jays Lineup

Jose Reyes SS
Melky Cabrera LF
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion 1B
Adam Lind 1B
Juan Francisco 3B
Brett Lawrie 2B
Josh Thole C
Kevin Pillar CF

Dustin McGowan P

Note: The Blue Jays place C Dioner Navarro on the bereavement list and called up C Erik Kratz and RHP Neil Wagner. To make remove for Wagner the Jays sent back down RHP Chad Jenkins who was called up just yesterday.

Also, the Brett Lawrie at second base experiment continues. Juan Francisco has been a productive hitter and it would be unfair to remove him from the lineup.

With Dioner away from the club Thole will start in his place and Rusmus hasn’t been placed on the disable list…. yet, but Pillar will be starting in centre for him.

All stats courtesy of www.MLB.com