Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Indians Game 63: Preview, TV, Lineup

Detroit Tigers (32-30) vs Cleveland Indians (29-32) — 1:08 PM ET

Comerica Park — Detroit, MI

TV: FSD

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for affiliates)

Weather: 74 degrees, light rain

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Game Preview

The Detroit Tigers are hosting their first division series in over a month as they face the Cleveland Indians for the first time since late April.

Cleveland is just a half game out of last place in the AL Central, but they have a 15-9 record since May 19. During that same span, Detroit has nearly the opposite record at 9-14.

Detroit, however, has won four of its last six games and is 6-2 versus Cleveland this season.

When We Last Met

The Tigers lost a tough one on Saturday as the Indians spoiled Justin Verlander’s return, winning, 5-4. Detroit had the tying run at third base with one out in the ninth, but right fielder J.D. Martinez grounded into a game-ending double play.

On Friday, Detroit won a low-scoring affair as ace pitcher David Price threw a complete-game shutout with eight strikeouts and no walks. Detroit won, 4-0.

In the eight games against the Indians this season, the Tigers have outscored them, 46-40. Detroit won the first two series versus Cleveland, but that was back in April. It is vital that the Tigers win Sunday so the Indians don’t build more confidence with a series victory in Detroit.

Pitching Matchup

On paper, the Indians have the pitching advantage on Sunday with the reigning AL Cy Young award winner on the mound, but right-hander Alfredo Simon has been very good for Detroit this season. He is 6-3 with a 2.76 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 51 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings this season.

In his last start, Simon pitched eight frames and allowed just one earned run on five hits, which helped the Tigers win the series against the White Sox in Chicago last weekend.

Corey Kluber will start for the Indians. He had a tough start to the season and is still only 3-7, but his ERA has dropped from 5.07 to 3.53 over the last six starts. Kluber is also second in the American League with 109 strikeouts.

Tigers Lineup

1. Anthony Gose-CF
2. Ian Kinsler-2B
3. Miguel Cabrera-1B
4. Yoenis Cespedes-LF
5. J.D. Martinez-RF
6. Tyler Collins-DH
7. Bryan Holaday-C
8. Andrew Romine-3B
9. Jose Iglesias-SS

Injuries

• Kyle Lobstein — 15-day DL
• Victor Martinez — 15-day DL
• Bruce Rondon — 15-day DL
• Alex Avila — 15-day DL
• Joe Nathan – Out for the Season

Next: Detroit Tigers Q&A: Six Questions About the Cleveland Indians