As recently as two weeks ago the Indians had the best home record in the Majors, but lately Progressive Field has been more hospitable to opponents.
After winning 10 straight, the Indians have dropped five of their last six here. In the past six games, they have been outscored 40-21 with opponents hitting 11 home runs. The offense has a .228 batting average, which is 23 points lower than their average for the season, and is just 8 for 44 with runners in scoring position. Meanwhile the pitching staff has an ERA of 5.46 while the rotation has allowed eight home runs.
At 23-16, the Indians have the fourth-best home record in the Majors with a .590 win percentage. The Angels lead at .667 (28-14) followed by the Athletics (.634, 26-15) and Nationals (.591, 26-18).
NIGHT OFF: With a day game tomorrow, Yan Gomes isn't in the lineup for tonight's game. Gomes has started all but 14 of the Tribe's 85 games and has a hit in 11 of the last 13 games he has played. He also has thrown out
George Kottaras gets his sixth start of the season and has been a bit of a surprise with a .353 batting average, three home runs and four RBI. This also marks the third of T.J. House's seven starts that he has caught.
"We've had a few days off as a team but he has caught just about every game. They've got a lefty going tomorrow and George has caught T.J. so it seems to make sense," Terry Francona said. "He (Gomes) is in good shape and has worked hard but picking spots (to give players a day off) can be really helpful. There's still a lot of baseball to be played and we need him."
EXTRA TIME: Nick Swisher has gone out early the past couple days and fielded extra ground balls, including some in the outfield. Swisher has mostly been the designated hitter the past couple weeks but Francona did leave open the possibility that Swisher could eventually see a game or two in right.
Since returning from the disabled list, Swisher is batting .140 (8 of 57) with two home runs and eight RBI. He has also struck out 26 times compared to drawing just three walks.
Said Francona about Swisher's hitting woes: "He is either missing or fouling the fastball that he likes and then getting into a count where they are throwing a lot of offspeed stuff. When you see him pull the ball foul like he is it is hard to stay on balls."
