Cleveland has already matched their win total against Texas from last season. They'll look to surpass it and start 3-0 on the young season. The Indians took a 4-3 decision and held off a late rally by the Rangers. Lead-off hitter Carlos Santana drilled a two-run shot in the second inning that aided the team to victory in a big way. Carlos Carrasco picked up the victory after giving up just two earned runs and four hits in 5.2 innings of work. First pitch is set for 8:05 PM Eastern time and the game can be seen on MLB.tv, SportsTime Ohio, and FSN Southwest.
Indians (2-0, 1st AL Central)
Projected starting lineup:
- 1: Carlos Santana (S) - designated hitter
- 2: Francisco Lindor (S) - shortstop
- 3: Brandon Guyer (R) - left fielder
- 4: Edwin Encarnacion (R) - first baseman
- 5: Jose Ramirez (S) - second baseman
- 6: Yandy Diaz (R) - third baseman
- 7: Austin Jackson (R) - center fielder
- 8: Roberto Perez (R) - catcher
- 9: Abraham Almonte (S) - right fielder
Reliable right-hander Danny Salazar will get the start for the Indians. He compiled an 11-6 record in 2016 with a 3.87 ERA in his fourth season with the Indians. He also made relief outings in the postseason, showing up in three total innings against the Cubs and striking out four in the World Series.
Rangers (0-2, 5th AL West)
Projected starting lineup:
- 1: Delino DeShields Jr. (R) - designated hitter
- 2: Shin-Soo Choo (L) - right fielder
- 3: Nomar Mazara (L) - left fielder
- 4: Mike Napoli (R) - first baseman
- 5: Rougned Odor (L) - second baseman
- 6: Carlos Gomez (R) - center fielder
- 7: Jonathan Lucroy (R) - catcher
- 8: Joey Gallo (L) - third baseman
- 9: Elvis Andrus (R) - shortstop
We'll be in for a good pitching duel as lefty Cole Hamels will be on the mound for the Rangers.
He had a solid 15-5 record with a 3.32 ERA in 2016, but he struggled down the stretch, giving up six or more earned runs in four of his last seven starts of the year.
The contest is even on the moneyline with Cleveland getting a slightly favored edge with -115. The run total is set at 8.5. The Indians are 10-2 in their last 12 road games.
