The Indians return from a 10-game road trip tonight to start a seven-game homestand. First up is the Los Angeles Angels for a four-game set.
It also should be a matchup of two of the top outfielders in the American League as Michael Brantley and Mike Trout renew acquaintances. Brantley, who went 16 of 40 on the road trip, is tied for fourth in the American League in batting average and ninth in runs batted in (45). Trout is batting .305 and is seventh in RBI (50).
Trout has hit in 21 of the past 22 games and has 22 RBI in that span. Brantley has a seven-game hit streak and has five straight multi-hit games, which is a career best.
The Tribe has won nine straight at Progressive Field and went 5-5 on the road trip, including winning the last two games in Boston. They face a tough task tonight going up against Jered Weaver, who is 6-0 with a 1.64 ERA in nine starts at Cleveland. The right-hander (7-5, 3.51 ERA) beat the Indians in Anaheim, Calif., on April 29 as he went 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs.
Cleveland will counter with Trevor Bauer (1-3, 4.24), who will be making his first appearance against the Angels. Bauer is 1-1 with a 2.50 ERA in three starts at home this season.
Here are storylines to watch during Indians Live, starting at 6:30 p.m. and tonight's game:
Monday magic? Lonnie Chisenhall is 4 for 17 since he had five hits, three homers and nine RBI last Monday in Texas. He hasn't had a hit though in his last 10 at-bats and was hitless in the Red Sox series.
Mendoza line in sight: Carlos Santana is 12 for 35 with two home runs and eight RBI since returning from the disabled list and has raised his batting average to .190.
Weaver vs. Indians: David Murphy 8-55, HR; Asdrubal Cabrera 11-38, HR, Nick Swisher 7-33, 2 HR; Michael Brantley 5-24, HR; Carlos Santana 9-17, HR; Jason Kipnis 2-15; Lonnie Chisenhall 5-12, HR; Mike Aviles 4-9; Michael Bourn 1-10; Yan Gomes 1-7; George Kottaras 1-4; Ryan Raburn 0-2.
Smith returns: Former Tribe pitcher Joe Smith returns to Cleveland after signing with the Angels during the offseason. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA and has five saves in nine opportunities. He briefly had the closer's role the first time the two teams met.
