Detroit @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 29, 2018 ) Cleveland 8, Detroit 1

While they inch closer to formally clinching the American League Central title, the Cleveland Indians are more preoccupied with having their roster rested and clicking in advance of the upcoming playoffs. To that end, Josh Donaldson will make his second start for the Indians when they open a three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

Donaldson, the 2015 AL MVP who was acquired from Toronto on Aug. 31, made his Cleveland debut Tuesday after spending 3 1/2 months on the disabled list and is 0-for-5 in two games. Jose Ramirez, who swatted his team-leading 38th homer in Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Tampa Bay, has gone deep four times and has nine RBIs in 16 games against The Tigers this season. The Indians rested four starters Wednesday and will likely continue to do so against Detroit, which has dropped four in a row overall and 12 of 16 in the season series with Cleveland. Nicholas Castellanos, who leads the Tigers in most offensive categories, clubbed his 21st homer Wednesday but is batting only .175 with 19 strikeouts in 57 at-bats against the Tigers in 2018.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (9-12, 4.11 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (1-5, 6.63)

After earning a win or loss in 11 consecutive starts (5-6), Boyd had to settle for a no-decision last time out despite a masterful performance against St. Louis. He notched a season-high 11 strikeouts while permitting one run and two hits over seven innings. He dominated Cleveland with seven innings of one-run ball on April 10, but was battered for six runs on eight hits over three innings by the Indians on June 24.

Tomlin has pitched solely in relief since returning from a lengthy stint on the disabled list, making five appearances -- the last four consisting of one inning or fewer. Tomlin is making his seventh start of the season and first since May 15, but is 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in that role. He tossed five scoreless innings against the Tigers on April 10 and was tagged by Detroit for four runs in 5 1/3 innings May 15.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians have won six of the last seven meetings, outscoring Detroit 52-11.

2. Tigers SS Niko Goodrum could miss the series with a deep quad contusion.

3. Indians SS Francisco Lindor has six homers and 14 RBIs in 16 games versus Detroit this season.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Indians 4