GDT110: 8/5/13 - DET (64-45) AT CLE (62-49) - 7:05 p.m. ET

Tigers: RHP Anibal Sanchez (9-7, 2.59 ERA)

Sanchez has tossed six innings without allowing more than one earned run in three straight starts. He allowed one earned run on three hits in five innings for the win against the Indians in his first start off the DL on July 6.



Indians: RHP Corey Kluber (7-5, 3.77 ERA)

The Indians won five of Kluber's six July starts. Over 39 innings in the month, he went 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA. Kluber allowed 30 hits (three home runs) while notching 37 strikeouts and 11 walks. Opposing batters hit .208 against Kluber in July.




Tigers, Indians open key clash in Cleveland
Three games separate teams in standings as Anibal opposes Kluber

By Adam Berry / MLB.com | 8/4/2013 5:23 PM ET

The Indians have been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past few weeks. Unfortunately for the Tribe, the team directly above them in the standings has been almost equally unbeatable.

Cleveland has won 15 of its last 20 games entering this critical four-game series at Progressive Field against Detroit, which still holds a three-game lead in the American League Central despite the second-place Indians' successful stretch. The Tigers hold a 9-3 edge in the season series thus far.

It was pointed out to Indians manager Terry Francona on Sunday that it seems his club and the Tigers have been winning and losing on the same days, as was once again the case on Sunday.

"That won't happen the next four days," Francona said, "at least by my math."

Monday's series opener will feature Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez taking on Indians righty Corey Kluber. For Detroit, it's a chance to create some space in the standings. For Cleveland, it's a chance to start making up some ground.

"You play all year to have a series like this be this important," Francona said. "That's exciting. If it's not, you don't have a heartbeat. So, good for us. I want our guys to enjoy the competition, because we're playing the best and this is where we're trying to get. We're within striking distance, and it makes the games really exciting."

Francona noted that it's still too early to get caught up in scoreboard watching, that there's too much time left in the season to fret over the division and Wild Card standings.

"If you start doing math too early, you might flunk," Francona quipped.

But the Tigers are certainly keeping an eye on the Indians, especially considering how well they've played lately. While many people predicted before the season that the AL Central would be Detroit's to lose, Cleveland has made it clear that the division crown won't be easily won this year.

"They've got a real good team. You know they led the division more games than we did last year," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "They've added some veteran guys, some versatility.

"They've got a good team. They had a good team last year. They added a couple of guys. [Jason] Giambi is a veteran presence, [Nick] Swisher, [Mark] Reynolds and [Ryan] Raburn, those guys can play a little bit. They're pretty good."

Tigers: Facing an old friend
• Raburn played seven years with Detroit before the Tigers released him last year. He then went on to sign with Cleveland, where he's enjoying the most productive season of his career. Raburn is hitting .282 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs in 65 games. Raburn's impressive numbers -- including his three homers against Detroit -- haven't exactly shocked his former manager.

"He's a nice player. I take some responsibility for it. When I made him pretty much the everyday second baseman, I think he just got like a deer in the headlights," Leyland said. "I think he just probably didn't feel too comfortable with it because he did a terrific job for us, and everybody in here knows I am a big fan of his and still am a big fan of his. He just got in a rut and I think he got overwhelmed with the second-base thing and it snowballed on him."

• Miguel Cabrera took ground balls and batting practice before Sunday's game and was out of the starting lineup for the fourth straight game due to an abdominal strain, but he entered as a pinch-hitter in the 12th inning, knocking a single to center field. Leyland said Cabrera "felt a lot better," but it was the manager's decision to keep him off the field again.

Indians: Salazar to start Wednesday
• Highly touted pitching prospect Danny Salazar will come up from Triple-A Columbus to start Wednesday's game. He'll be replacing Ubaldo Jimenez, who will now start Friday against the Angels. Francona said the Indians "like the idea of seeing what this kid can do," but Jimenez's struggles against the Tigers -- he's 1-2 with a 6.92 ERA in 13 in three starts -- also played a part in the decision.

"It was some of that," Francona said. "Some of it's competitive and it also gives us a chance to give him a little [rest], too. I think we thought that would help him. There's been some times with [Scott Kazmir] where we've done the same thing. For Ubaldo, I think this will do some good."

• Cleveland's rotation has put together a 2.20 ERA over its last 23 games.

Worth noting
• The Indians lead the AL with 15 shutouts, the most they've had in one year since recording 17 in 1976.

• Sanchez has thrown six innings without allowing more than one earned run in three straight starts.

Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.







INJURY UPDATE:


• RHP Octavio Dotel (Right elbow inflammation, transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list on June 8, 2013.)

• 2B Omar Infante (Left ankle sprain, placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 4, 2013.)





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• TUE, Aug 6:
TIGERS: (RHP Justin Verlander (11-8, 3.88 ERA)) AT
INDIANS: (RHP Justin Masterson (13-7, 3.33 ERA))
7:05  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• WED, Aug 7:
TIGERS: (RHP Doug Fister (10-5, 3.52 ERA)) AT
INDIANS: (RHP Danny Salazar (1-0, 1.50 ERA))
7:05  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• THU, Aug 8:
TIGERS: (RHP Max Scherzer (16-1, 2.85 ERA)) AT
INDIANS: (RHP Zach McAllister (4-6, 3.47 ERA))
7:05  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:

DET Batting
Jackson, A, CF
Hunter, To, RF
Cabrera, M, 3B
Fielder, 1B
Martinez, V, DH
Dirks, LF
Avila, C
Iglesias, SS
Santiago, R, 2B


CLE Batting
Bourn, CF
Swisher, 1B
Kipnis, 2B
Cabrera, A, SS
Brantley, LF
Santana, C, C
Giambi, DH
Chisenhall, 3B
Stubbs, RF

DET - Top 1st
B:1 S:1 O:1
Austin Jackson flies out to right fielder Drew Stubbs in foul territory.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Torii Hunter singles on a line drive to left fielder Michael Brantley. Torii Hunter out at 2nd, left fielder Michael Brantley to second baseman Jason Kipnis.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Miguel Cabrera singles on a line drive to right fielder Drew Stubbs. Miguel Cabrera advances to 2nd, on a fielding error by right fielder Drew Stubbs.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Prince Fielder strikes out swinging.


CLE - Bot 1st
B:1 S:0 O:1
Michael Bourn bunt grounds out, catcher Alex Avila to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Nick Swisher grounds out, first baseman Prince Fielder to pitcher Anibal Sanchez.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Jason Kipnis grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder.

 0-0 AFTER 1 INNING

DET - Top 2nd
B:3 S:2 O:0
Victor Martinez singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Michael Brantley.

B:4 S:1 O:0
Andy Dirks walks. Victor Martinez to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:1
Alex Avila flies out to center fielder Michael Bourn.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Jose Iglesias grounds into a force out, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to second baseman Jason Kipnis. Victor Martinez to 3rd. Andy Dirks out at 2nd. Jose Iglesias to 1st.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Ramon Santiago grounds out to first baseman Nick Swisher.


CLE - Bot 2nd
B:3 S:1 O:1
Asdrubal Cabrera flies out to left fielder Andy Dirks.

B:1 S:0 O:1
Michael Brantley singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson.

With Carlos Santana batting, Michael Brantley steals (12) 2nd base.

B:3 S:3 O:2
Carlos Santana called out on strikes.

B:2 S:0 O:2
Jason Giambi singles on a line drive to center fielder Austin Jackson. Michael Brantley scores.
CLE 1 - 0


B:0 S:0 O:3
Lonnie Chisenhall flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

CLE 1 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

DET - Top 3rd
B:0 S:0 O:1
Austin Jackson bunt grounds out to catcher Carlos Santana. Austin Jackson out on batter interference.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Torii Hunter strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Miguel Cabrera grounds out sharply, pitcher Corey Kluber to first baseman Nick Swisher.


CLE - Bot 3rd
B:2 S:3 O:1
Drew Stubbs called out on strikes.

B:2 S:3 O:2
Michael Bourn strikes out swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Nick Swisher lines out to right fielder Torii Hunter.

CLE 1 - 0 AFTER 3 INNINGS

DET - Top 4th
B:1 S:1 O:1
Prince Fielder lines out to right fielder Drew Stubbs.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Victor Martinez singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Michael Bourn.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Andy Dirks grounds into a double play, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to second baseman Jason Kipnis to first baseman Nick Swisher. Victor Martinez out at 2nd.


CLE - Bot 4th
B:1 S:3 O:1
Jason Kipnis strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:3 O:2
Asdrubal Cabrera strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2
Michael Brantley singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Carlos Santana doubles (28) on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Michael Brantley scores.
CLE 2 - 0

B:0 S:3 O:3
Jason Giambi strikes out swinging.

CLE 2 - 0 AFTER 4 INNINGS

DET - Top 5th
B:3 S:3 O:1
Alex Avila strikes out swinging.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Jose Iglesias grounds out, pitcher Corey Kluber to first baseman Nick Swisher.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Ramon Santiago singles on a line drive to left fielder Michael Brantley.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Austin Jackson strikes out swinging.


CLE - Bot 5th
B:1 S:3 O:1
Lonnie Chisenhall called out on strikes.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Drew Stubbs flies out to left fielder Andy Dirks.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Michael Bourn strikes out swinging.

CLE 2 - 0 AFTER 5 INNINGS

DET - Top 6th
B:1 S:3 O:1
Torii Hunter strikes out swinging.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall to first baseman Nick Swisher.

B:3 S:3 O:3
Prince Fielder strikes out swinging.


CLE - Bot 6th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Nick Swisher strikes out swinging.

B:3 S:1 O:2
Jason Kipnis grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Asdrubal Cabrera walks.

Injury Delay.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Michael Brantley flies out to left fielder Andy Dirks.

CLE 2 - 0 AFTER 6 INNINGS

DET - Top 7th
B:1 S:2 O:1
Victor Martinez lines out to right fielder Drew Stubbs.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Andy Dirks grounds out, second baseman Jason Kipnis to first baseman Nick Swisher.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder Michael Brantley.


CLE - Bot 7th
B:2 S:1 O:1
Carlos Santana grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Jason Giambi grounds out softly, third baseman Miguel Cabrera to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Lonnie Chisenhall strikes out swinging.

CLE 2 - 0 AFTER 7 INNINGS

DET - Top 8th
B:0 S:2 O:1
Jose Iglesias grounds out, second baseman Jason Kipnis to first baseman Nick Swisher.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Ramon Santiago singles on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Brantley.

Pitching Change: Joe Smith replaces Corey Kluber.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Austin Jackson singles on a soft ground ball to third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. Ramon Santiago to 2nd.

B:0 S:2 O:2
Torii Hunter singles on a line drive to right fielder Drew Stubbs. Ramon Santiago to 3rd. Austin Jackson out at 2nd, right fielder Drew Stubbs to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Miguel Cabrera grounds out sharply, second baseman Jason Kipnis to first baseman Nick Swisher.


CLE - Bot 8th
B:1 S:3 O:1
Drew Stubbs strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:2
Michael Bourn grounds out, shortstop Jose Iglesias to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Nick Swisher walks.

Pitching Change: Phil Coke replaces Anibal Sanchez.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Jason Kipnis singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Nick Swisher to 2nd.


Pitching Change: Al Alburquerque replaces Phil Coke.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Asdrubal Cabrera grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Prince Fielder.

CLE 2 - 0 AFTER 8 INNINGS

DET - Top 9th
Pitching Change: Chris Perez replaces Joe Smith.

B:2 S:0 O:0
Prince Fielder doubles (23) on a fly ball to left fielder Michael Brantley.

B:0 S:2 O:0
Victor Martinez singles on a line drive to left fielder Michael Brantley. Prince Fielder scores.
CLE 2 - 1


Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Hernan Perez replaces Victor Martinez.

B:4 S:1 O:0
Andy Dirks walks. Hernan Perez to 2nd.

B:1 S:0 O:0
Alex Avila homers (9) on a fly ball to left center field. Hernan Perez scores. Andy Dirks scores.
DET 4 - 2

Pitching Change: Cody Allen replaces Chris Perez.

B:0 S:2 O:0
Jose Iglesias singles on a soft ground ball to third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall.

B:2 S:1 O:1
Ramon Santiago out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Cody Allen to second baseman Jason Kipnis. Jose Iglesias to 2nd.

B:0 S:3 O:1
Austin Jackson strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Cody Allen. Jose Iglesias to 3rd. Austin Jackson to 1st.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Torii Hunter strikes out swinging.

With Miguel Cabrera batting, wild pitch by Cody Allen, Austin Jackson to 2nd.

B:4 S:0 O:2
Cody Allen intentionally walks Miguel Cabrera.

Coaching visit to mound.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Don Kelly replaces Miguel Cabrera.

Pitching Change: Marc Rzepczynski replaces Cody Allen.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Prince Fielder grounds out, second baseman Jason Kipnis to first baseman Nick Swisher.


CLE - Bot 9th
Don Kelly remains in the game as the third baseman.

Hernan Perez remains in the game as the designated hitter.

Pitching Change: Joaquin Benoit replaces Al Alburquerque.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Michael Brantley flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Carlos Santana grounds out softly, pitcher Joaquin Benoit to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Jason Giambi flies out to left fielder Andy Dirks.


TIGERS WIN 4-2

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE


W: Alburquerque
L: Perez, C
S: Benoit


Game Info

Coke pitched to 1 batter in the 8th.
Perez, C pitched to 4 batters in the 9th.

WP: Allen 2.
IBB: Cabrera, M (by Allen).
Pitches-strikes: Sanchez, An 114-72, Coke 2-1, Alburquerque 3-2, Benoit 13-8, Kluber 105-72, Smith, J 10-8, Perez, C 13-6, Allen 20-13, Rzepczynski 3-2.
Groundouts-flyouts: Sanchez, An 7-4, Coke 0-0, Alburquerque 1-0, Benoit 1-2, Kluber 9-3, Smith, J 1-0, Perez, C 0-0, Allen 1-0, Rzepczynski 1-0.
Batters faced: Sanchez, An 29, Coke 1, Alburquerque 1, Benoit 3, Kluber 27, Smith, J 3, Perez, C 4, Allen 5, Rzepczynski 1.
Inherited runners-scored: Coke 1-0, Alburquerque 2-0, Smith, J 1-0, Rzepczynski 3-0.
Umpires: HP: Tom Hallion. 1B: Phil Cuzzi. 2B: Chris Guccione. 3B: Ron Kulpa.
Weather: 68 degrees, cloudy.
Wind: 4 mph, R to L.
T: 3:05.
Att: 24,381.
Venue: Progressive Field.
August 5, 2013