2015 Indians: One Win At A Time

[CatKnight]

Yes, I'm back to try again.

Since the season began I've been quietly watching an Indians day-by-day run with OOTP. It lets me be a fan without slogging through a dozen articles, which isn't immersive enough, or listening/watching a 3 hour game which calls for more patience than I possess right now.

The stories so far have been interesting and I thought you'd be curious to see how the season plays out in another reality. We'll spend a few posts 'catching up' to the present day, then follow the season thereafter.

[CatKnight]

Preseason: March 22 - April 4

Nationals, Tigers Owners Pass Away

Washington Nationals' owner Ted Lerner passed away on March 27 after a brief illness. Daniel Crawford, of Crawford Pharmaceuticals in nearby Alexandria, Virginia is now the majority stockholder and will succeed as owner pending Major League approval.

When asked about plans for the team, Crawford stated that with Washington's recent success it did not make any kind of sense to consider a move. "I am confident of winning the Series this year," he said, "and bringing Washington its first world championship (since 1924)."

On April 3rd Tigers owner Mike Illitch, best known for investing heavily in the team during a time when the rest of Detroit was in severe financial distress, passed away. His son, Christopher Illitch, has taken over. The son has promised to continue investing heavily in the team and asked Tigers players to dedicate this year's impending championship to his father. They last won the Series in 1984, but appeared as recently as 2012.


Trades

The LA Dodgers traded 31 year old 2B Howie Kendrick (.293 7-75 with Angels) to Texas along with $3 million in exchange for 27 year old RP Shawn Tolleson (3-1 2.76 in 71.2 IP) and a minor leaguer. Both Kendrick and Tolleson are expected to be on their teams' opening day rosters.

Colorado traded 30 year old CF Drew Stubbs (.289 4-15) to the Tigers as well as a minor leaguer in exchange for 36 year old C/1B Victor Martinez (.335 32-103). It's a curious decision on Detroit's part, but may be an attempt to shed the five-time All Star's $14 million contract.

Lastly, the Pirates sent 28 year old SS Jordy Mercer (.255 12-55) and a minor leaguer to the Mets in exchange for 26 year old SP Jacob DeGrom (9-6 2.69). Pittsburgh hopes this will put them over the top in a very competitive NL Central, while Mercer will be New York's every day shortstop.


Other

As it hadn't happened yet when OOTP was released, I rolled 50/50 to decide whether to suspend Ervin Santana. He lost, so Santana (14-10 3.95 with Atlanta, now with Minnesota) is suspended for 80 games for PED usage.


Indians Transactions

The biggest news was GM Chris Antonetti's decision to DFA 3B Ryan Rayburn. Rayburn batted .200 4-22 in 74 games last year, and will begin the season in AAA-Columbus.

Replacing him is SS Francisco Lindor, who batted .273 5-14 in 38 games for Columbus, as well as 88 games for AA-Akron.

[CatKnight]

April 5-12, 2015

APRIL 6: CLEVELAND 5 HOUSTON 2
WP: Kluber (1-0), LP: Keuchel (0-1), SV: Allen (1)
HR: (CLE) Gomes (1)
POG: Kluber (1)

APRIL 8: CLEVELAND 7 HOUSTON 6
WP: Hagadone (1-0), LP: Gregerson (0-1), SV: Allen (2)
HR: (CLE) Gomes (2), (HOU) Conger (1)
POG: Gomes (1)

APRIL 9: HOUSTON 8 CLEVELAND 6
WP: Neshek (1-0), LP: Atchison (0-1), SV: Gregerson (1)
HR: (HOU) Gattis (1), Marsinick 2 (2), Carter (1), (CLE) Brantley (1), Swisher (1)

APRIL 10: CLEVELAND 4 DETROIT 1
WP: McAllister (1-0), LP: Simon (0-1), SV: Allen (3)
HR: (CLE) Kipnis (1), Chisenhall (1)
POG: Chisenhall (1)

APRIL 11: CLEVELAND 7 DETROIT 4
WP: Bauer (1-0), LP: Garcia (0-1), SV: Allen (4)
HR: (CLE) Gomes (3), Kipnis (2), Swisher (2), (DET) Castellanos (1)
POG: Bauer (1)

APRIL 12: DETROIT 2 CLEVELAND 0
WP: Price (1-0), LP: Kluber (0-1), SV: Alburquerque (1)

********

Team Notes
A decent 4-2 start left us in 1st place, 1 GA of Detroit, Kansas City and Minnesota (3-3) with the ChiSox bringing up the rear. Other early leaders included the Yankees (5-1), Athletics (5-2), Pirates (4-2) and Giants (5-2). None could match up against the Nationals however, who began their campaign with a 6-0 run.

Our starting rotation is a bit shaky. I don't blame Kluber for losing to Detroit's David Price, but Danny Salazar really blew the game on April 9 allowing 3 homers and lasting only 4 innings. Our GM will soon have something to say about that. So far CL Cody Allen's striking out almost everyone he meets, while C Yan Gomes leads the way with 3 homers.


League News - All Stats for 2014

31 year old Dustin Pedroia (2B, Red Sox) (.278 7-53) will miss 5-6 weeks with an oblique strain.

On April 6, 26 year old Chris Sale (SP, White Sox) (12-4 2.17) shut out the Royals 4-0 on 6 hits and 7 strikeouts.

The Los Angeles Angels came to terms with 35 year old Rafael Soriano (4-1 32 SV 3.19 for Nationals). He'll make $4 million this year.

26 year old Garrett Richards (SP, Angels) (13-4 2.61) shut out the Royals 4-0 on 4 hits and 5 strikeouts.

30 year old Chad Billingsley (SP, Phillies) (0-1 6.00 in 3 IP for Rancho Cucamonga-A) suffered a setback while recovering from Tommy John surgery and is probably out until May.

27 year old Justin Upton (LF, Padres) (.270 29-102 for Braves) will miss 2 weeks with an intercostal stain.

25 year old Madison Bumgarner (SP, Giants) (18-10 2.98) shut out the Padres 4-0 on 3 hits and 8 strikeouts.

25 year old Didi Gregorius (SS, Yankees) (.226 6-27 with Diamondbacks) went 12 for 22 (.545 1-5) to earn AL Player of the Week honors.

30 year old Ryan Zimmerman (1B, Nationals) (.280 5-38) went 11 for 23 (.478 2-7) to earn NL Player of the Week honors.

[CatKnight]

April 13-18, 2015

APRIL 14: WHITE SOX 3 CLEVELAND 2
WP: Quintana (1-1), LP: Carrasco (0-1), SV: Robertson (1)
HR: (CHW) Ramirez (1), (CLE) Kipnis (3)

APRIL 15: CLEVELAND 6 WHITE SOX 5
WP: Allen (1-0), LP: Jennings (0-2)
HR: (CLE) Chisenhall (2), Swisher (3)
POG: Chisenhall (2)

APRIL 17: CLEVELAND 3 MINNESOTA 1
WP: Bauer (2-0), LP: Noleasco (0-3), SV: Allen (5)
HR: (CLE) Moss (1)
POG: Bauer (2)

APRIL 18: CLEVELAND AT MINNESOTA
Postponed to April 19

*******

Team Notes:
Entering today the Indians are 6-3, leading by percentage points over the 7-4 Royals. Detroit is 2 GB, followed by Chicago and Minnesota at 2.5 GB (4-6)

The Yankees (7-4) lead the AL East by 0.5g, while Oakland (7-5) leads the West by 0.5g. As of today, the wildcards would be Kansas City (7-4) and Tampa Bay (7-5)

In the National League, the Nats are 9-3 and lead the East by 2g. Pittsburgh (7-4) leads by 1g, and Los Angeles (8-3) by 1g. As of right now the wildcards would be San Francisco (8-5) and Miami (7-5)

Turning to the Indians, Chisenhall helps lead our team with a .353 batting average, while Kipnis, Gomes and Swisher all have 3 HR. Swisher's producing well despite a laughable .118 BA. He has only 4 hits on the season.

On the mound, our star has to be CL Cody Allen, who is now 1-0 with 5 SV and a 0.00 ERA in 7 IP. Of the 21 outs he's earned, 13 have been strikeouts. He has a WHIP of 0.57 and K/9 of 16.7. Kluber (1-1 1.26) is doing better than his record indicates, and Bauer (2-0 3.00) has given us some solid performances.


League News - All Stats for 2014 unless noted:

For the second time this year, 26 year old Chris Sale (SP, White Sox) earned a shutout. This time his victims were the Tigers,w ho fell 4-0 on 5 hits and 6 strikeouts.

28 year old Jose Abreu (1B, White Sox) (.317 36-107) will miss 6 weeks with a strained hamstring earned while sliding into a base gainst our Indians on the 15th.

23 year old Mike Morin (RP, Angels) (4-4 2.90) will miss 2-3 months with a torn meniscus.

The Nationals surprised everyone by signing 28 year old 2B Yolian Cerce from Cuba, where he spent 2004-2012 playing for Indios de Guantanamo. They surprised everyone more by immediately moving him into their starting lineup. Through Saturday he's batting 2 for 8.

30 year old Daniel Murphy (2B, Mets) (.289 9-57) went 5 for 7, but it wasn't enough as the Marlins defeated New York 5-3. He had two doubles and an RBI on the day.

41 year old journeyman Bartolo Colon (SP, Mets) (15-13 4.09) shutout the Phillies 6-0 on 3 hits and 5 strikeouts.

36 year old Chase Utley (2B, Phillies) (.270 11-78) suffered a setback while recovering from a minor injury and should be back next week.

In a crushing blow for the Chicago Cubs, 31 year old SP Jon Lester (16-11 2.46 with Athletics/Red Sox) tore his rotator cuff, and his season is over. Lester, who is signed through 2020 (team option for 2021), will earn $15 million this year. He finishes the season 1-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 15.1 IP.

32 year old Hunter Pence (RF, Giants) (.277 20-74) suffered a setback in his treatment for a fractured forearm and will miss another 2 weeks.

26 year old D.J. LeMahieu (2B, Colorado) (.267 5-42) went 5 for 8 during a 10-8 14-inning marathon win over the Giants. All five hits were singles with 4 RBI.

28 year old Scott Van Slyke (RF, Dodgers) (.297 11-29) will miss 4 weeks with a torn ligament in his thumb.

On the day of Van Slyke's injury, 22 year old Joc Pederson (CF, Dodgers) (.143 0-0 in 28 AB) avenged him somewhat in a 5 for 7 performance where LA dismantled the Mariners 21-4. Those hits included a triple and a three-run homer, his first of the year.


Team Transactions

Unwilling to risk further nonsense after his loss versus Houston, GM Chris Antonetti has traded 25 year old SP Danny Salazar (6-8 4.25) to the Cardinals. In his one appearance this year he lasted 4.1 IP allowing 7 hits and 5 earned runs. With him went 19 year old C Francisco Mejia (.282 2-36 for Mahnoning Valley-SA). In return the Cards sent $2,992,500 and 30 year old CF Jon Jay (.303 3-46).

To rebalance the roster, we optioned 33 year old LF David Murphy (.262 8-58) to Columbus-AAA and brought up 33 year old SP Shaun Marcum (1-0 2.35 in 15.1 IP for Columbus-AAA).

This makes some sense, in that Jon Jay replaces Michael Bourn (.125 0-0 in 2015) in the starting lineup. Bourn is looking more and more like a bust. This weakens our starting rotation though: Marcum's career has been hampered by an injured shoulder, and recurring problems kept him inactive most of last year. If his shoulder's healed, all the better...but it's hard to imagine.

On April 17, we activated 25 year old SS Zach Walters (.181 10-17 with Indians/Nationals) from the disabled list after he suffered an oblique injury on March 15. Walters replaces SS Francisco Lindor, who in turn came up when Raburn was sent down on March 22 and hasn't played in any games.

[CatKnight]

April 19
Cleveland Sentinel

Indians Win First of Twin-Bill
Cleveland 3 Minnesota 2
WP: Corey Kluber (2-1), LP: Kyle Gibson (1-2), SV: Kyle Crockett (1)
PoG: Corey Kluber (2)(2-1 1.61) (8 IP 5H 2R 3ER 5K)

Minneapolis - Following yesterday's rainout, today's afternoon game became a day-night double header. Corey Kluber (2-1 1.61) battled Kyle Gibson (1-2 3.00) on a clear, cool afternoon with highs in the upper fifties.

Cleveland scored in the first when Carlos Santana singled home Yan Gomes. Jose Ramirez doubled home Jon Jay in the second, then scored on Jason Kipnis' double to make it 3-0.

Despite a slow start, 1 hit through 5 innings, the Twins battled back. Eduardo Nunez scored on a sac fly in the sixth, then Brian Dozier did the same in the eighth. Reliever Cody Allen tried to close out the game, but left after one batter. He should be ready for tomorrow's game at Chicago.

Sweep! Marcum Dominates
Cleveland 4 Minnesota 1
WP: Shaun Marcum (1-0), LP: Tommy Milone (2-1), SV: Kyle Crockett (2)
HR: (CLE) Roberto Perez (1)
PoG: Shaun Marcum (1)(1-0 1.23) (7.1 IP 5H 1R 1ER 2BB 4K)

Minneapolis - The evening game featured Shaun Marcum (1-0 1.23) making his first Major League appearance since an embarrassing 2013 campaign where he went 1-10 with the Mets. Those who doubted his recovery were silenced as Marcum held the Twins scoreless through seven whole innings and only showed signs of tiring in the eighth. Tommy Milone (2-1 3.94) earned his first loss lasting only five innings, while Twins reliever Tim Stauffer left the game with a mild hamstring strain.

Roberto Perez made his first appearance in the lineup as Yan Gomes took the second game of this doubleheader off. He went 1 for 3 with a two-run blast in the fourth that helped put Cleveland ahead for good.

Next up the Indians will visit Chicago to take on the third place White Sox.

*******

League News

32 year old Edwin Encarnacion (1B, Blue Jays) went 8 for 25 (.320 5-13) to win AL Player of the Week honors. On the season he's batting .245 7-16.

30 year old Daniel Murphy (2B, Mets) went 16 for 33 (.485 0-3) with 9 runs to win NL Player of the Week honors. On the season he's batting .368 0-3.

32 year old Miguel Cabrera (1B, Tigers) will miss 5-6 weeks with a concussion. On the season he's batting .194 0-0 with 3 runs scored.

[CatKnight]

Standings through April 19

[CatKnight]

April 20, 2015

Indians Edge ChiSox
Cleveland 3 Chicago (AL) 1
WP: Carlos Carrasco (1-1), LP: Jeff Samardzija (0-2), SV: Cody Allen (6)
HR: (CLE) Michael Brantley (2)
PoG: Carlos Carrasco (1)(1-1 3.00) (7 IP 5H 1R 1ER 1BB 7K)

On a cold, partly cloudy night at US Cellular Field, Carrasco and Samardzija (0-2 6.00) battled for much of the game dominating opposing hitters. Ultimately neither could prevent runs scoring. Chicago struck first when Geovany Soto scored on an Emilio Bonifacio double to put the ChiSox up 1-0 after 5. Michael Brantley tied it with a homer one inning later.

In the seventh, with Dan Jennings (0-2 5.40) on the mound, Jon Jay singled home Nick Swisher to put the Tribe up for good. Jason Kipnis then walked to load the bases, and Brantley walked to force Lonnie Chisenhall home.

*******

League News

The Houston Astros traded 27 year old catcher Jason Castro (.222 14-56 in 2014, 1 for 7 with 1 homer and 2 RBI this year), a minor leaguer and $2.6 million to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for 29 year old SP Josh Collmenter (11-9 1 SV 3.46 in 2014, 1-1 4.60 this year). This is somewhat of an improvement for both clubs, as Castro takes over the starting catcher role in Arizona while Collmenter becomes Houston's #3 pitcher.

[CatKnight]

April 21, 2015

Indians Win in Extras. Moss Triumphant
Cleveland 3 Chicago 1 (11)
WP: Scott Downs (1-0), LP: Nate Jones (0-1)
HR: (CLE) Brandon Moss (2), (CHW) Emilio Bonifacio (1)
PoG: John Danks (CHW,SP) (0-0 2.92) (7 IP 3H 5BB 7K)

Danks won a close-fought pitcher's duel vs. Cleveland starter Zach McAllister when ChiSox 2B Emilio Bonifacio (.373 1-6) hit an inside the park homer to put them up 1-0 after 5. This was immediately after Danks struck out the 2nd and 3rd outs with the bases loaded to keep Cleveland scoreless.

Here manager Robin Ventura may have stumbled however, for he turned to his bullpen and Cleveland immediately crawled back into the fight. Michael Brantley scored on a Brandon Moss' sacrifice fly to tie the game.

So the game continued, with Cleveland's bullpen of rested relievers growing smaller and smaller, until they were obliged to turn to reliever Bryan Shaw (0-0 0.00 in 2.2IP) who got the Tribe out of a bases loaded, one out situation in the tenth. Moss opened the eleventh with a solo shot to right, then Nick Swisher signed and scored on Jon Jay's hit to make it 3-1. Bases loaded, one out, and the ChiSox again shut Cleveland batters down, but this time the damage was done. Scott Downs (1-0 0.00 in 1.2 IP) pitched a shaky 11th, but it was enough to earn his first win of the 2015 campaign.

*******

League News

Francisco Liriano (SP, Pirates) [Age 31](1-2 7.47) shutout the Cubs 3-0 allowing only two hits and one walk while getting twelve strikeouts.

Taijuan Walker (SP, Mariners) [22](1-2 1.37) shutout Houston 11-0 allowing only two hits and three walks while striking out nine.

[CatKnight]

April 22, 2015

Rainout
Game Postponed

Today's game at US Cellular Field in Chicago was rained out, putting a temporary pause on the Tribe's 6 game winning streak.

The game was rescheduled for May 18 as part of a day-night doubleheader. This really doesn't do Cleveland any favors, as they will be in the midst of a run from May 11 to June 8 without any days off.

The Indians are off tomorrow, then return to action Friday at Detroit.

[CatKnight]

April 23, 2015

Idle

******

League News

Andrew McCutchen (CF, Pirates) [28](.256 1-6) will miss 5 weeks with a strained hip incurred in today's game vs. the Cubs.

Carlos Gomez (CF, Brewers) [29](.179 1-5) will miss 5 weeks with shoulder bursitis.


League Injury Report (minimum 4 weeks)
April 23, 2015

Team	Pos/Name		Injury		Return
ARI	P Bronson Arroyo	Torn UCL	8 weeks
ARI	P Patrick Corbin	Torn UCL	8 weeks
ARI	P David Hernandez	Torn UCL	4 weeks
ATL	P Shae Simmons		Torn UCL	11 months
ATL	P Daniel Winkler	Torn UCL	8 weeks
CHW	1B Jose Abreu		Ham strain	5 weeks
CHC	P Jon Lester		Torn rotator	12 months
CLE	P Gavin Floyid		Elbow recon.	5 months
COL	P Tyler Chatwood	Torn UCL	4 weeks
DET	1B Miguel Cabrera	Concussion	5 weeks
KCR	P Kris Medlen		Torn UCL	8 weeks
KCR	P Tim Collins		Torn UCL	11 months
LAA	P Mike Morin		Torn knee	2 months
LAA	P Cory Rasmus		Abdomen strain	4 weeks
LAA	P Tyler Skaggs		Torn UCL	7 months
LAD	P Brandon Beachy	Torn UCL	8 weeks
LAD	P Chris Withrow		Sore elbow	2 months
MIA	P Jose Fernandez	Torn UCL	8 weeks
MIL	CF Carlos Gomez		Inflame shouldr	5 weeks
MIL	P Brandon Kintzler	P-Torn labrum	3-4 months
NYY	3B Chase Headley	Thumb sprain	5 weeks
NYM	P Josh Edgin		Torn UCL	11 months
NYM	P Zack Wheeler		Torn UCL	11 months
OAK	P A.J. Griffin		Torn UCL	4-5 weeks
PHI	P Cliff Lee		Torn elbow	8 weeks
PIT	CF Andrew McCutchen	Hip strain	5 weeks
PIT	P Brandon Cumpton	Torn UCL	11 months
SDP	C Tim Federowicz	Elbow strain	2 months
TBR	P Matt Moore		Torn UCL	2 months
TEX	P Matt Harrison		Back spasms	4 weeks
TEX	SS Jurickson Profar	Torn shoulder	11 months
TEX	RF Shin-Soo Choo	Knee bruise	7 weeks
TEX	P Martin Perez		Torn UCL	6 weeks
TEX	P Yu Darvish		Torn UCL	11 months
TEX	P Yovani Gallardo	Finger rupture	3-4 months
TOR	P Marcus Stroman	Torn ligament	11 months

[CatKnight]

April 24, 2015

Shutout! Kluber Dominates Tigers
Cleveland 7 Detroit 0
WP: Corey Kluber (3-1), LP: Justin Verlander (2-2)
PoG: Corey Kluber (3-1 1.15) (9 IP 7H 2BB 6K)

Ace Corey Kluber improved his record to 3-1 with a complete game shutout as Cleveland thrashed Detroit at Comerica Park.

Justin Verlander struggled, lasting only 6.1 innings. Things fell apart for him in the fourth when he hit Jon Jay with a pitch with the bases loaded and zero outs. This began a three run drive.

After hitting Jay again with one out in the seventh, Tiger manager Brad Ausmus took Verlander out of the game to protect him. Jay stole second and reached third on a fielder's choice, but couldn't score.

Cleveland added four in the eighth when Carlos Santana doubled home Yan Gomes. Santana, Nick Swisher and Lonnie Chisenhall all scored on a Jason Kipnis triple to make it 7-0.

*******

League News

A brawl at AT&T park resulted in suspensions for Wes Bankston (3B, Giants)[31](.280 3-5) and Jorge de la Rosa (SP, Rockies)(2-1 5.40).

Curtis Granderson (RF, Mets)[34](.125 1-2) has suffered a setback in his recovery from a stiff back and will miss another week.

[CatKnight]

April 25, 2015

Eight Straight for Tribe
Cleveland 9 Detroit 5
WP: Trevor Bauer (3-0), LP: Freddy Garcia (1-2)
HR: (CLE) Yan Gomes (4), Carlos Santana (1), (DET) Alex Avila (2)
POG: Michael Brantley (.317 2-11) (3 for 5, 1 R, 3 RBI, 2B)

The Tribe took game 2 of this three game set, but it was closer than the score indicates. Cleveland took a 5-0 lead after two led by a 2-run shot by Carlos Santana. Detroit battled back however, when Ian Kinsler singled home J.D. Martinez, then Alex Avila hit a three-run blast in the fifth to make it 5-4. We scored one in the seventh.

In the bottom of the seventh Nick Hagadone (1-0 2.35) replaced Bauer, promptly loaded the bases, then hit Xavier Nady to make it 6-5 with no outs. Luck was with him however, as the next batter grounded out 5-2, followed by a popup to second and fly to left. The Tribe scored two more in the eighth, then Gomes homered in the ninth to cap off the day.

Amazingly, Cleveland (12-3 .800) still isn't the best team in the Majors. That honor belongs to the Washington Nationals (15-3 .833) who lead the NL East by four games.

*******

League News

LaTroy Hawkins (RP, Rockies)[42](0-0 5.40) may have pitched his last game. He is out for 11 months with a damaged elbow ligament requiring surgery. If this is the end, he finishes his 21 year career with a 72-93 record, 124 saves and a 4.34 ERA in 1,438.2 innings pitched.

Jordan Zimmerman (SP, Nationals)[28](1-1 3.46) has re-signed with Washington for $68 million over 4 years, averaging $17 million per year. In his seven year career with the Nats, Zimmerman is 58-41 with 8 CG and a 3.24 ERA.

*******

Team Transactions

SS Zach Walters [25](No Stats in 2015) was demoted to Columbus. He started the season on the disabled list and has not played this season.

In his place, Cleveland has signed 2B Jose Miguel Fernandez [26](.326 5-42 with Matanzas in 2013) to a one year contract worth $820K. In seven years playing for the Cuban League, Fernandez has batted .320 36-306 in 2,150 AB. Scouts call him an 'up and down roster filler,' which may be preferable to 'wasting' Walters if manager Terry Francona isn't going to play him.

[CatKnight]

April 26, 2015

Batting Like It's 1998
Cleveland 6 Detroit 3
WP: Carlos Carrasco (2-1), LP: Alfredo Simon (1-3), SV: Cody Allen (7)
HR: (CLE) Yan Gomes (5), Lonnie Chisenhall (3), (DET) Drew Stubbs (1), Ian Kinsler (2)
POG: Carlos Carrasco (2-1 3.10) (8 IP 4H 3R 3ER 1BB 5K 2HR)

In a game dominated by the long ball, and despite a 22 minute rain delay in the third inning, Carlos Carrasco lasted 8 innings to give Cleveland their 9th straight victory.

Yan Gomes hit a one-run shot in the first. Ian Kinsler gave Detroit the lead when he brought two home in the second. Chisenhall hit a two-run homer of his own to make it 3-2. After the Tribe scored two more runs, Drew Stubbs hit a homer to make it 5-3 Tribe.

Next up Cleveland hosts Kansas City for three games starting on Monday, then Toronto comes to town on Thursday.

*******

League News - Two power hitters out of action

Giancarlo Stanton (RF, Marlins) [25](.250 6-12) will miss 2-3 weeks with a sprained thumb.

Matt Kemp (RF, Padres) [30](.278 6-11) will miss 6 weeks with a separated shoulder.

Hanley Ramirez (3B, Red Sox) [31](.325 4-14) went 12 for 29 (.414 2-8) with 6 runs scored to become the AL Player of the Week.
Gregor Blanco (LF, Giants) [31](.297 1-7) went 13 for 21 (.619 1-4) to become the NL Player of the Week.

The Cleveland Indians top this week's power rankings, followed by Pittsburgh, Washington, Miami and San Francisco.

[CatKnight]

April 26, 2015 - Weekly Roundup

Standings, Leaders, and Team Report