Kansas City @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 13, 2013 ) Kansas City 3, Cleveland 5
The Cleveland Indians are making a spirited surge toward the top of the American League Central. The Indians will look to continue that push Sunday when they vie for a three-game series sweep and 30th home victory versus the Kansas City Royals. After posting a 3-0 triumph in the series opener, Cleveland benefited from Lonnie Chisenhall's first career grand slam en route to a 5-3 victory Saturday.
While the Indians reside 1 1/2 games in back of front-running Detroit, the Royals have slipped seven games off the pace. Kansas City can point to its lackluster offense for its troubles as the Royals have mustered eight runs during their four-game losing skid. Cleveland has won seven of the 12 meetings against its AL Central rival.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH James Shields (4-6, 3.12 ERA) vs. Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (7-4, 4.37)
Shields hasn't lost since May 27, but owns a 1-5 career mark versus Cleveland. The 31-year-old allowed one run and five hits in seven strong innings to pick up the win against the New York Yankees on Tuesday. The performance was one start removed from a difficult outing versus the Indians - he yielded five runs on nine hits for a no-decision on July 4.
Jimenez improved to 3-0 in his last six outings after scattering five hits over six scoreless innings against Toronto on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Dominican settled for a no-decision versus Kansas City and Shields in his prior start, permitting four runs and issuing five walks in as many innings. Jimenez has struggled with his control, allowing multiple walks in each of his last seven trips to the mound.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians manager Terry Francona admitted that the team's starting rotation order has yet to be decided. RHP Justin Masterson may compete in Tuesday's All-Star Game, thereby putting a monkey wrench into the plans for Friday's contest.
2. Kansas City has won each of Shields' previous eight trips to the mound.
3. Cleveland 2B Jason Kipnis had three hits Saturday and has hit safely in 21 of his last 23 games. He is 3-for-9 in his career versus Shields.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Royals 1