A.M. Wahoo's: Indians Set for Series Against White Sox
Taking a look at the news surrounding the Cleveland Indians and the rest of the MLB on the morning of September 12, 2016.
On a day when much of the city’s sport-related attention was on the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians continued the march toward the postseason. Corey Kluber had another dominant outing and led the Indians to a 7-1 win over the Minnesota Twins Sunday afternoon.
The Indians enter play Monday with a seven-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central with just 20 games left to play. Seven of those are against the Tigers, including three at the end of this week.
After picking up a much-needed series win in Minnesota, the Indians must keep that going in the upcoming four-game series against the Chicago White Sox. The Tigers begin a series against the Twins tonight, and should be able to do what the Indians did. That means the Indians must pick up another series win before the Tigers come to town, or risk making that series one in which the team from up north could gain significant ground in the division.
While we await the continuing drama of September baseball, let’s take a look at the news surrounding the Indians and the rest of the MLB in today’s edition of A.M. Wahoo’s.
Cleveland Indians News:
How Does Danny Salazar’s Injury Impact the Tribe?
It’s been a tale of two seasons for Cleveland Indians right-hander Danny Salazar, who was among the most dominant pitchers in the American League in the first half, but has struggled with arm problems and poor performances since the All-Star break.
Cleveland Indians: What Could a Postseason Roster Look Like?
Heading into play on Friday, the Cleveland Indians hold a six-game lead in the American League Central Division, sitting just a game and a half back of the Texas Rangers for the best record in the AL. While a trip to the postseason isn’t guaranteed yet, the Tribe has put itself into great position with just 23 games remaining in the regular season.
Napoli Home Run Goes Third Deck at Target Field (Factory of Sadness)
Party at Napoli’s. Again. This time, we’re celebrating because Mike Napoli beat the bejesus out of ball during the Cleveland Indians 5-4 wins against the Twins Friday night. The moonshot was Napoli’s 32nd of the season.
Carlos Santana is an Offensive Marvel (Let’s Go Tribe)
This is Carlos Santana’s third-best offensive season, based on the stat Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+). Isn’t that amazing? Considering he just cracked the thirty home run barrier for the first time in his career, though, this comes off a bit surprising at first. wRC+ is a rate stat, so theoretically he could go on a fabulous tear and rise in the ranks, but right now that seems unlikely. This isn’t to knock Santana’s 2016, either. More than anything, it shows just how good a hitter he’s been for quite a while now.
Indians Promote Two More, not Zimmer or Diaz (cleveland.com)
Terry Francona’s September roster now includes 36 players, four shy of the 40-man roster. “In September there is no reason to ever get caught short,” said Francona.
MLB News:
Oakland A’s Release Billy Butler (Call to the Pen)
After signing a three year, $30 Million contract with the Oakland Athletics following the 2014 season, Billy Butler has been an abject disappointment. In this time in Oakland, he posted a .258/.325/.394 batting line with 44 doubles and 19 home runs, playing at a level that was just below replacement level.
Tigers to Skip Jordan Zimmerman’s Next Start (ESPN.com)
Detroit Tigers right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will not make his scheduled start Thursday against the Minnesota Twins, manager Brad Ausmus announced Sunday. Zimmermann will instead pitch a simulated game on Wednesday.
Carlos Rodon Improving Toward End of Season (Southside Showdown)
The Chicago White Sox entered the season with Carlos Rodon slated to be its number three starter behind Chris Sale and Jose Quintana. After a strong finish to end the 2015 season, Rodon’s ascension to being the team’s third best starter appeared to be on track with his quick promotion through the system.
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