Cleveland @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2018 ) Chi. White Sox 5, Cleveland 4

Corey Kluber aims to become the second 20-game winner in the major leagues when the Cleveland Indians begin their season-ending seven-game road trip Monday with the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. Kluber looks to join Tampa Bay's Blake Snell (21) and reach the 20-win plateau for the first time in his impressive career.

Kluber is the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner after capturing the prize for the second time, and a three-time All-Star who also led the AL in victories (18) and ERA (2.25) last season, but figures to cede the award to Snell this year. AL Central champion Cleveland completed the home portion of its schedule by taking two of three from AL East winner Boston, including a 4-3 triumph in 11 innings on Sunday. Michael Brantley has been heating up for the Indians, going 9-for-21 over his last four games. The White Sox, who have lost five of their last seven contests - including two of three in Cleveland last week, begin their final home series of the season before wrapping up 2018 with four contests in Minnesota.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (19-7, 2.93 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Dylan Covey (5-13, 5.33)

Kluber registered his career-high 19th win on Tuesday after allowing three runs and eight hits with 11 strikeouts over eight innings against Chicago at home. The 32-year-old native of Alabama, who recorded at least 18 victories four of the last five seasons, has won seven of his last eight decisions and reached double digits in strikeouts in two of his last three turns. Kluber is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three outings against the White Sox this year and 12-4 with two complete games, one shutout and a 2.93 mark in 23 career meetings - including one relief appearance.

Covey is hoping for a repeat performance with a better result as he settled for a no-decision in Cleveland on Wednesday after giving up just two hits across six scoreless innings. It was the second start for the 27-year-old Californian after rejoining the rotation following a stint in the bullpen during which he made six appearances. Covey is 1-2 with a 4.82 ERA in seven career games (five starts - all this season) against the Indians, with the victory coming when he permitted two runs over seven frames at home on June 13.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion drove in a run Sunday to reach the 100-RBI mark for the fourth straight season and sixth time in his career.

2. Chicago's Tim Anderson notched two of the team's four hits and drove in the lone run in Sunday's 6-1 loss to the crosstown Cubs - a day after becoming the first shortstop in team history to record 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in a season.

3. Cleveland's Trevor Bauer is expected to start Tuesday's contest, with fellow RHP Carlos Carrasco slated to follow him out of the bullpen.

PREDICTION: Indians 9, White Sox 2