Cleveland @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 3, 2018 ) Cleveland 6, Kansas City 4

The Cleveland Indians are a season-high 10 1/2 games up in the American League Central and appear as if they may run away with the division title. They'll try to continue taking advantage of another weak division rival when they look to finish off a three-game sweep against the host Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

Yan Gomes slugged a go-ahead grand slam to lift Cleveland to a 6-4 victory on Tuesday, giving the Indians - who have scored 30 runs during their three-game winning streak - a 27-13 record against the AL Central. Francisco Lindor added two hits and scored a run in improving to 10-for-20 with four homers, 11 RBIs and nine runs scored during his five-game hitting streak. He likely will be getting his first look at rookie Trevor Oaks, who is expected to step in for the injured Ian Kennedy to make the start for the Royals - losers of five straight. Trevor Bauer carries a 2.40 road ERA into the start for Cleveland.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (7-6, 2.45 ERA) vs. Royals RH Trevor Oaks (0-1, 7.45)

Bauer went 3-3 in June despite posting a 2.18 ERA and striking out 62 batters in 41 1/3 innings. He dominated the Royals through eight frames early in the season before giving up five runs and a season-high 11 hits over a season-low 4 2/3 frames in a rematch on May 11. That left the 27-year-old with a 2-4 career record versus Kansas City.

Oaks figures to be called up from Triple-A Omaha to start in place of Kennedy, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday due to an oblique strain. The 25-year-old Oaks has gone 5-3 with a 2.00 ERA in 13 starts for Omaha, allowing two runs in 22 1/3 innings since being sent down in June. Oaks never has faced the Indians.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 3B Mike Moustakas (back spasms) was a late scratch on Tuesday.

2. The Indians placed Lonnie Chisenhall (calf) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled fellow OF Greg Allen from Triple-A Columbus.

3. Cleveland leads the AL with eight grand slams.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Royals 2