Preview: Indians Kick-Off An Important AL Central Showdown Tonight in Minnesota

Monday night the Cleveland Indians (57-47, 25-26 Away) will start an important three game series at Target Field versus the Minnesota Twins (48-56, 29-22 Home).

The Twins are currently nine games behind the first place Indians but have had success this season against the Tribe, leading the season series 6-3 with ten games left against their rival.

Shane Bieber (5-2, 4.80 ERA) will take the mound for the Indians tonight and will be looking to regain his consistency. The 23 year-old had a strong start to his rookie campaign, in his first five career starts he was 4-0 with a 2.97 ERA and ten earned runs.

Since then the right-hander is 1-2, with 14 earned runs in three appearances. His last start was the worst of young career, lasting on 1.2 innings and getting slammed for seven earned runs. Tonight will mark Bieber’s third career start against the Twins. He is 1-1, striking out 13 batters and a 3.97 ERA.

Ervin Santana (0-0, 5.40 ERA) will be making his second start of the season. His first appearance was a success but he wasn’t given the win. The 13 year veteran threw five innings, striking out five, with three earned runs and walking one batter.

The Twins defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 12-6 in that start. Santana has 25 career appearances versus the Tribe with a 7-11 record and a 3.97 ERA.

Time: 8:10 p.m.

Starting Pitchers: Shane Bieber (5-2, 4.80 ERA) vs. Ervin Santana (0-0, 5.40)

TV: SportsTime Ohio

Online: MLB.TV

Radio: WTAM 1100am, Indians Radio Network

Here’s three quick thoughts heading into tonight’s game:

1. The Twins Are Not Dead Yet

The second place Twins are nine games back of the Tribe in the division. Many believe the Tribe has the division locked up already, but the Twins aren’t ready to concede just yet. They lead the season series 6-3 and have 10 games left against the Tribe.

A sweep may drastically change the course of the season if the Twins are able to accomplish that feat.

2. Brian Dozier to Cleveland?

Reports have surfaced that the Indians may be interested in the 31 year-old second baseman. Dozier isn’t having the greatest season in terms of batting average, but he does have 16 home runs and 52 RBI.

If the Tribe were to acquire Dozier what would that mean for current second baseman Jason Kipnis? He could be an option for the outfield, but with a history of hamstring problems that may not be wise.

3. The Tribe Needs to Regain Their Consistency

The Indians are 5-4 since the all-star break and fans are wondering what’s wrong. The Tribe have been a second half team for the majority of Manager Terry Francona’s tenure.

A sweep or at the very least, a series win of the Twins should help get the Tribe going again. The Tribe would definitely gain some confidence and hopefully some momentum with a sweep since the Twins currently have the season series lead.