Cleveland rocking heading into set vs. Toronto
The Indians last made the postseason in 2013. This evening, however, they could be staring a possible playoff opponent straight in the face.
First-place Cleveland hosts AL East-leading Toronto at 7:10 p.m. ET in a good litmus test for both clubs. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI lean toward the Tribe, while John Gibbons’ gang enters Progressive Field as a +127 underdog. The over/under run total holds steady at nine.
After a brief lull earlier in the month, Terry Francona’s crew is back in business. The Indians come into the marquee weekend series having claimed seven of their past 10 games. Trevor Bauer, he of the 9-5 record and 115 strikeouts across 131 1/3 innings, will attempt to sustain the momentum in several hours. The 25-year-old righty has suffered only three losses since May 22.
Conversely, Toronto hurler Francisco Liriano can barely notch a victory in 2016. The squad acquired the southpaw from the Pirates on Aug. 1 with the hope of solidifying its rotation. Yet Liriano carries a 0-1 record with a 5.40 ERA as a member of the Blue Jays. Most recently, he permitted five earned runs and eight hits to the Astros.
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If Josh Donaldson (.289/.399/.556) must sit, well, Liriano’s path becomes much rockier. The star third baseman aggravated a thumb ailment during Wednesday’s triumph over the Yankees. In any event, Cleveland seems like a lock here. Watch as the Tribe improve to 38-22 at home.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: BLUE JAYS/INDIANS UNDER 9 RUNS