Preview: Indians Back at Progressive Field to Open Homestand Against Angels

The Indians will return home Friday night to host the Los Angeles Angels in a highly anticipated three game series. Newly acquired center fielder, Leonys Martin, is expected to make his first start since being traded from Detroit on Tuesday. The Tribe is hoping that the addition of Martin as an everyday center fielder will help stabilize an outfield that’s been hit by the injury bug.

Martin is batting .252 with nine home runs, 15 doubles and 29 RBI, not the greatest offensive numbers, but he’ll be a welcomed sight to see in the outfield. He leads the AL in outfield assists with nine which will only strengthen the Tribes defense.

The Angels come to town losers of their last four games and wondering if they’ll have their best player, Mike Trout available. The All-Star center fielder is listed as day-to-day after injuring his wrist sliding into third base Wednesday against the Rays.

With Trout’s availability up in the air, the Angels are hoping RHP Jamie Barria (6-7, 3.74 ERA) can end their four game slide. The rookie is coming off one of his best starts of the year. He pitched six innings, giving up two earned runs (off home runs), five hits and striking out two in a 11-5 win versus Seattle.

The Indians will counter with RHP Mike Clevinger (7-7, 3.43 ERA) who is looking to continue his success from his last start. Clevinger hasn’t won a game since July 1st but was very solid in a 2-1 loss against Detroit July 28th. In that game Clevinger went five innings, giving up five hits and striking out eight batters, but was responsible for both runs.

Here's a look at tonight's game with a quick preview.

Time: 7:10 p.m.

Starting Pitchers: Jamie Barria (6-7, 3.74 ERA) vs. Mike Clevinger (7-7, 3.43 ERA)

TV: SportsTime Ohio

Online: MLB.TV

Radio: WTAM 1100am, Indians Radio Network

1. Trout versus Ramirez

This series could feature two top-5 candidates for AL MVP if Trout is able to play. The Angels OF is a candidate every year for MVP but Jose Ramirez is a newcomer to this conversation and he’s having a historic season.

The third baseman has a chance to reach 100 RBI, 100 runs scored, 100 walks, 40 home runs, 40 doubles, 40 steals, while striking out less than 80 times. Another AL Central crown and those numbers should be enough to get Ramirez at least a top two finish.

2. Stack Success

Since the All-Star break the Indians haven’t been able to win more than two games in a row. They come into tonight’s game and seven game home stretch, winners of two in a row and need to stack wins.

If Clevinger is able to continue his momentum from his last start the Indians could turn their two game win streak into five or six games during this home stretch. It’ll be important for them to close their division fast so they can give their starters some extra rest heading into to Fall.

3. Martin’s Debut

Indians fans will be paying very close attention to their new outfielder. Martin isn’t expected to have a huge impact on offense, but his value on defense made him an attractive asset. Any offense he’s able to add will be a bonus and having him debut against the rookie Barria could get him off to a great start.