Series Preview: Indians vs. Astros

After taking two of three from AL Central rivals, the Chicago White Sox, the Cleveland Indians now stand at 10-8 on the year and are tied with Detroit for first in the division. This upcoming series with the red-hot AL West-leading Houston Astros promises to be an interesting series outside of the Central. Could it be an early preview of a possible playoff series? The Astros have the American Leagues second best record at 13-6. Let's take a look at the matchups on the hill.

Pitching Probables
Tuesday, 6:10 p.m.
RHP Josh Tomlin (1-2, 11.68 ERA vs. LHP Dallas Keuchel (3-0, 0.96 ERA)

Wednesday, 6:10 p.m.
RHP Trevor Bauer (1-2, 6.35 ERA) vs. RHP Lance McCullers (1-0, 4.00 ERA)

Thursday, 6:10 p.m.
RHP Corey Kluber (1-2, 4.28 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Fiers (0-1, 5.40 ERA)

Dallas Kuechel

What to watch for
If this is indeed going to be an entertaining series between two of the American League's best teams, I'm interested to see how the Indians are going to handle facing a locked-in pitcher right from the get go. The Tribe has already been beaten by left-handers several times this year, and they face quite possibly the hottest pitcher in baseball in southpaw Dallas Keuchel. It will be interesting to see how they approach him. Being too aggressive plays right into his hands and sitting back in every at bat lets him pick everyone apart. Will this Cleveland lineup be able to solve their toughest puzzle yet? Tune in at 6:10 p.m. on SportsTime Ohio to find out!