Major League Baseball

Indians scratch ace Corey Kluber from start

Published Sep. 4, 2015 12:34 p.m. ET

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DETROIT (AP) The Indians have scratched ace Corey Kluber from his scheduled start against the Tigers because of a strained right hamstring.

The team said that Kluber, last season's AL Cy Young winner, is expected to pitch again this season. But his absence will make it even tougher for Cleveland to gain ground in the wild-card race.

It's not yet known when Kluber got hurt. Manager Terry Francona will provide an update before tonight's game.

Josh Tomlin will replace Kluber and start the series opener at Comerica Park. Danny Salazar will pitch Saturday, and the Indians have not yet named Sunday's starter.

Kluber is 8-13 with a 3.41 ERA, but the right-hander has pitched much better than his record shows as Cleveland's offense hasn't given him much run support. He leads the league with 200 1/3 innings and is third with 219 strikeouts.