Indians Vs. Twins Final Score: Shin-Soo Choo Comes Through In Extra Innings For 4-3 Win

The Cleveland Indians may be out of the playoff race, but they still fought to avoid a sweep against the AL Central rival Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Cleveland came through in the bottom of the 10th to win the game, 4-3. Casey Kotchman scored Shin-Soo Choo from third base with a single to center field to secure the win. It was his second RBI of the day and his third hit.

Choo was on third after a lead-off double and a sacrifice ground-out from Jason Kipnis. Carlos Santana and Michael Brantley were intentionally walked after Choo was advanced to third, and Kotchman was the one to bring him home, despite having a better day than both Brantley and Santana prior to that.

Anthony Swarzak was the pitcher who came in for relief in the tenth, so he was handed the loss. Esmil Rogers, who took over in the tenth for the Tribe, was given the win after a 1-2-3 inning. That was Choo's only at-bat for the game, pinch hitting for Vinny Rottino, who was at the top of the lineup and did not reach base all game. Up next, the Indians will take on the Kansas City Royals for a three-game series.

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Progressive Field Attendance About What You'd Expect For Indians-Twins

Roberto Hernandez Injury: Indians Starter Still Not 100 Percent, Unlikely To Be Activated This Week

The Cleveland Indians have still yet to decide whether pitcher Roberto Hernandez (the artist former known as Fausto Carmona) will be activated to pitch again for the major league club this season. Hernandez missed the first four months of the year due to legal issues and visa problems, but a right ankle injury has been responsible for the latest setback. The veteran hurler got through a bullpen session without any problems on Tuesday, but manager Manny Acta noticed some trouble with mobility in other drills and now Hernandez will try to throw off a mound again on Friday, according to the team website. Acta has this to say (via MLB.com):

He's OK throwing the ball. He's still not moving around 100 percent. The next bullpen and workout will dictate what we're going to do moving forward.

The Indians have the right to exercise a $6 million club option on Hernandez for the 2013 season, but there is very little recent work to go on at this point. Hernandez has only pitched in three games for the Indians during 2012, posting a 7.53 ERA and an 0-3 record over 14.1 innings of work.

Check out Let's Go Tribe for more on the Indians, and head over to Twinkie Town for more Twins coverage. Also be sure to visit Baseball Nation for even more news and analysis from around the league.

Twins Vs. Indians: Tribe Look to Avoid Sweep Against Minnesota

The Cleveland Indians will be attempting to avoid their fifth loss in six games when they take on the Minnesota Twins in the final game of a three-game series Thursday afternoon. The Indians lost Wednesday night's game to the Twins, marking the team's fifth straight loss to their division rivals.

Cleveland will hand the ball to rookie pitcher Corey Kluber. The right-handed Kluber is 1-4 in nine starts since joining the big league club in early August. In his last two starts, Kluber has given up 9 runs in just 8 2/3 innings, increasing his ERA to 5.48 on the season. He has faced the Twins twice, not figuring in either decision.

Minnesota turns to the Esmerling Vasquez, who is 0-2 in three starts since being called up from AAA Rochester at the beginning of September. Vasquez carries a whopping 7.53 ERA into the contest, and has not made it to the seventh inning of any of his prior starts. In his one appearance against Cleveland this season, he gave up 4 earned runs and walked 5 in just 3 innings of work.

First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. ET. There is no local television coverage, though the game can be seen on MLB.TV. Radio broadcast is available on WTAM 1100 AM.

Check out Let's Go Tribe for more on the Indians, and head over to Twinkie Town for more Twins coverage. Also be sure to visit Baseball Nation for even more news and analysis from around the league.

Indians vs. Twins Final Score: Tribe Falls to Twins 6-4

The Cleveland Indians dropped their fifth consecutive game to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night, losing 6-4 at Progressive Field. The Tribe took an early lead on an Asdrubal Cabrera solo homer in the first. After the Twins took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third, Cleveland tied the score on a Jason Kipnis RBI single in the bottom half of the inning. The Twins scored three in the bottom of the fifth, though, and with an insurance run in the sixth built an insurmountable lead. The Indians scored two in the eighth on singles by Kipnis and Michael Brantley, but were unable to bring in the tying run in the ninth.

Indians starter Zach McAllister took the loss after conceding four runs and eight hits in just 4⅓ innings pitched. The loss takes his record to 5-8 on the season. Chris Seddon gave up another two runs in 1⅔ innings. Twins starter Liam Hendriks earned his first win of the year after holding the Tribe to two runs and two hits over six innings.

Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner went hitless in three at-bats in his first game back from the 15-day disabled list for a back injury. Hafner last played on Aug. 5.

The Indians will attempt to avoid being swept by Minnesota when the teams return to action Thursday afternoon.

Check out Let's Go Tribe for more on the Indians, and head over to Twinkie Town for more Twins coverage. Also be sure to visit Baseball Nation for even more news and analysis from around the league.

Travis Hafner Injury: Indians Slugger Activated, Will Face Twins

Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner has been activated from the 15-day disabled list and will play for the team on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Twins, as the team announced. He'll be starting at DH and batting sixth for the Indians.

Hafner, 35, has been on the disabled list since Aug. 6 with lower back inflammation. In between DL stints this season, he has hit .239/.355/.453 with 11 homers in 242 plate appearances. This is the fifth straight season that Hafner has lost time due to an injury.

With the activation, the Indians' active roster now sits at 35 players entering Wednesday's game.

Cleveland's lineup:

Minnesota's lineup:

Indians Vs. Twins Preview: Game Time, TV Info And More

The Cleveland Indians will try to recover after Tuesday's loss when they send Zach McAllister to the mound Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins.

McAllister, who has a 4.15 ERA through 108 1/3 innings this season, threw what might have been his best start of the season in his last time out. On Thursday against the Texas Rangers, McAllister pitched six inning and gave up one earned run off eight hits with six strikeouts and no walks. The Indians won that game 5-4.

The Twins send Liam Hendriks to the mound, and they have not fared well in Hendriks' 17 career starts, 13 of which have come this season. He hasn't held up his end of the bargain particularly well, because he has a 6.15 ERA in 89 1/3 innings in those 17 starts (and a 6.14 ERA in 66 innings in 2012).

But the Twins haven't helped him much, either. The Twins are 5-12 in games Hendriks has started in his career, and six of those losses were by one run.

First pitch between the Indians and the Twins is set for 7:05 p.m. ET at Progressive Field. The game is televised in Cleveland on STO.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Twinkie Town for more Minnesota Twins coverage and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Rafael Perez Injury Update: Reliever Has Setback In Shoulder Rehab, Done For Season

Cleveland Indians reliever Rafael Perez is officially out for the season, according to Cleveland manager Manny Acta. Perez, who has been out since April, had a setback in his rehab from a shoulder injury that he suffered in Spring Training.

The Indians said on Tuesday that the setback is inflammation and soreness in the shoulder and that surgery will not be necessary. Perez also sprained his ankle in an Aug. 11 appearance in Triple-A, but he is believed to be recovered from that.

Perez was Cleveland's top lefty reliever out of the bullpen, and they struggled to replace him in 2012. They will have the offseason to determine if he can contribute in 2013, or if they need to look at other options to fill that role.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Twinkie Town for more Minnesota Twins coverage and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Travis Hafner Injury Update: Indians Slugger Could Return In Final 2 Weeks

Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner could return to the lineup before Friday.

Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer reported Tuesday that Hafner — who went to the disabled list for the second time this season on Aug. 6, this time with a herniated disc in his back — could return before the beginning of the Indians' final road trip of the season.

Indians manager Manny Acta said Hafner has been in the batting cage simulating at bats and is gearing up in hopes of returning before the Indians leave Friday to play three games on the road against the Kansas City Royals and three games at the Chicago White Sox in the team's final road trip of the year.

From Hoynes' article:

When asked what could be accomplished by bringing Hafner back with just 15 games left, Acta said, "If you're [healthy], you should play, regardless of who you are. The season is not over. We're obviously a better ballclub when he's in our lineup and producing."

Hafner has only appeared in 60 games so far this season, and it's guaranteed he'll appear in less than 100 games for the fourth time in the last five years. In 242 plate appearances, his triple-slash line is .239/.355/.453. Hafner made $13 million this season and has a $13 million team option for next season that the Indians can buy out for $2.75 million. Hoynes said the Indians will not pick up the option.

First pitch between the Indians and the Minnesota Twins at 7:05 ET Wednesday.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Twinkie Town for more Minnesota Twins coverage and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Indians Vs. Twins Final Score: Minnesota Outlasts Cleveland For 6-5 Win In 12 Innings

The Cleveland Indians dropped into a tie for last place in the AL Central after losing 6-5 in 12 innings to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.

Alexi Casilla and Pedro Florimon Jr. each singled home a run in the top of the 12th inning to break a 4-4 deadlock and give the Twins a lead they would hold onto in the first game of a three-game series between the teams. Cleveland catcher Carlos Santana hit a solo homer in the bottom of the 12th but then Michael Brantley struck out to end the game.

The Indians had a great chance to win the game in the bottom of the 10th inning after Jason Kipnis lead off with a hit and made his way to third base with no outs. Cleveland eventually loaded the bases but three consecutive pop fly outs failed to plate the game-winner.

Cleveland starting pitcher David Huff only lasted 4 1/3 innings, leaving with his team trailing 3-2 after the left-hander gave up seven hits and three runs in his first start of the season. Nine pitchers later, Scott Maine (1-1) would take the loss after the left-hander gave up two runs in the 12th inning.

Minnesota reliever Tyler Robertson (2-2) earned the win for the Twins. The two teams will resume their series on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. ET.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Twinkie Town for more Minnesota Twins coverage and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Twins Vs. Indians Lineups: David Huff Makes First Start Of Season

Cleveland southpaw David Huff will make his first start of 2012 against the Minnesota Twins Tuesday night at Jacobs Field. Huff (1-0, 0.00) retired 10 straight Twins batters and struck out four in 3 1/3 innings on Sept. 7, helping the Tribe to a 7-6 win.

Minnesota starter P.J. Walters (2-4, 6.70) allowed six runs in four innings to the Royals last Wednesday. It was the right-hander's third start since coming back from injury after almost three months; Walters has lost both decisions and posted a 12.00 ERA since returning. The Twins will have Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit in the lineup for the second straight game, after the two catchers were out most of last week with injuries.

Lineups:

Minnesota (60-87)

Cleveland (61-86)

Tigers Vs. Indians Final Score: Cleveland Wins In Walk-Off Fashion, 7-6

The Cleveland Indians fought back to win a 7-6 thriller over the Detroit Tigers Sunday.

After falling behind, the Indians stormed back from an early 3-0 deficit to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth. In the fourth, Shin-Soo Choo came through with a two-run single. After a pair of RBI infield singles by Russ Canzler and Carlos Santana and an RBI fielders choice, the Indians were leading 5-3 after six innings.

Then in the top of the seventh, Miguel Cabrera hit a three-run home run to put Detroit ahead 6-5. The Indians would remain silent until the bottom of the ninth, when a Jason Kipnis double and Carlos Santana triple tied the game. Lonnie Chisenhall won the game with a walk-off single.

Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez went six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits while walking three and striking out two. He got a no decision, as Esmil Rodgers got the win in relief.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Indians Vs. Tigers: Cleveland Tries To Avoid Sweep

Ubaldo Jimenez (9-16, 5.52 ERA) hopes to end a personal 5-game losing streak and help the Cleveland Indians avoid a sweep against the Detroit Tigers at 3:05 p.m. Sunday.

Jimenez has losses in five straight decisions. He has pitched a bit better against the Tigers than some other teams however, facing them five times this season and compiling a 2-2 record with a 4.02 ERA in those games.

Rick Porcello (9-12, 4.59 ERA) starts for the Tigers. Porcello is on an even longer losing streak, taking losses in his last seven decisions. In the last six of those losses, he's given up 3 earned runs or fewer. The Tigers have only scored 10 runs in support of Porcello in those seven games.

Porcello is 0-2 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts against the Indians this season.

The Tigers enter the game trailing the Chicago White Sox by one game in the AL Central standings. The Indians are tied for last in the Central with the Minnesota Twins.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Indians Vs. Tigers: Cleveland Rallies But Loses To Detroit 5-3

After being held without a hit for the first 6.2 innings, the Cleveland Indians' offense perked up some, but the Detroit Tigers still held on for a 5-3 win Saturday.

Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez (8-12, 4.19 ERA) only allowed one baserunner through the first 6.2 innings before Carlos Santana tripled with two outs in the seventh. Russ Canzler followed with a double and Lonnie Chisenhall singled to cut Detroit's lead to 5-2.

Cleveland picked up another run in the eighth on an RBI-single by Asdrubal Cabrera.

Justin Masterson (11-14, 4.93 ERA) started and too the loss. He gave up 4 runs (only 2 were earned) and struck out 8 batters in 4.2 innings. The Indians committed 3 errors in the game.

Cleveland remains tied for last place in the AL Central with the Minnesota Twins, who lost to the Chicag White Sox Saturday.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Indians Vs. Tigers: Justin Masterson Tries To Beat Detroit For Second Time This Month

Justin Masterson (11-13, 4.96 ERA) starts for the Cleveland Indians at 4:05 p.m. Saturday as he looks for his second win against the Detroit Tigers in less than two weeks.

Anibal Sanchez (7-12, 4.07 ERA) starts for the Tigers. Sanchez has given up just five earned runs in his last four starts (26.2 innings), but he's just 1-2 in that stretch as the Tigers have given him just seven runs of support in those games.

Masterson gave up two runs in six innings in a 3-2 Cleveland win Sept. 6. He also beat the Tigers on May 24, giving up just one run in seven innings in a 2-1 win. He lost to Detroit on Aug. 3, giving up seven runs in four innings.

The Indians are trying to play spoiler for the Tigers, who are in a close race for the AL Central title with the Chicago White Sox, and at the same time trying to avoid falling into sole possession of last place in the Central themselves. The Indians and Minnesota Twins entered their respective series this weekend tied for last.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Indians Vs. Tigers: Cleveland Can Take Season Series With A Win Over Detroit Saturday

The Cleveland Indians are a shell of the team that beat the AL Central-contending Detroit Tigers July 26, pulling within 3.5 games of the division lead with a 50-49 record.

Heading into Saturday's game, having been shut out 4-0 by Tigers ace Justin Verlander and Detroit's bullpen Friday, the Indians fell to 10-36 since that game.

They still have a 9-7 record against the Tigers, and they'll look to take the season series with a win Saturday at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Justin Masterson (11-13, 4.96 ERA) is on the mound for the Indians, bringing with him two wins this season against the Tigers. The last one came on Sept. 4, when he pitched six innings, allowing just two earned runs.

Masterson was hit hard in his last start, though, allowing six earned runs in six and two-thirds innings, taking his 13th loss of the season.

The Tigers counter with Anibal Sanchez, who's put up a 1-1 record against Cleveland this year with a 1.42 ERA.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Indians Vs. Tigers: Justin Verlander Dominant As Detroit Wins 4-0

Justin Verlander (14-8, 2.82 ERA) allowed no runs and struck out six in seven innings as the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 4-0 on Friday. Cleveland had won two of its last three games against Detroit.

The Tigers scored two runs each in the first and second innings. Delmon Young and Brennan Boesch had RBI singles in the first. Austin Jackson drove in a run with a double in the second and Miguel Cabrera also had an RBI single in the inning.

Cleveland had two good scoring opportunities ended by good defensive plays by Detroit. The Indians had runners on second and third with nobody out in the fifth, but Verlander got Matt LaPorta to ground out and he struck out Ezequiel Carrera. Jason Donald hit a grounder to first that Prince Fielder made a diving stop on and pitched the ball to Verlander for the out.

With two on and two out in the sixth for Cleveland, Casey Kotchman hit a ball down the third base line that Cabrera made a diving stop on and jumped to his feet to make the throw to first in time to get Kotchman.

Corey Kluber (1-4, 5.48 ERA) took the loss.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Shin-Soo Choo Brings "Gangnam Style" Mania To Cleveland

Tigers Vs. Indians: Line-Ups Announced

With two losses in a three-game series against the Tigers, the inevitable would finally come and the Indians would officially be eliminated from postseason play. Even a series sweep of the Tigers might not be enough to avoid weekend elimination, so the Indians can play the role of spoiler and impact the Tigers' chances.

Here are the line-ups for Friday's game between the two AL Central teams.

Tigers

1. Austin Jackson (R) CF
2. Andy Dirks (L) LF
3. Miguel Cabrera (R) 3B
4. Prince Fielder (L) 1B
5. Delmon Young (R) DH
6. Brennan Boesch (L) RF
7. Jhonny Peralta (R) SS
8. Alex Avila (L) C
9. Omar Infante (R) 2B

Indians

1. Shin-Soo Choo (L) RF
2. Jason Kipnis (L) 2B
3. Carlos Santana (S) C
4. Russ Canzler (R) LF
5. Casey Kotchman (L) 1B
6. Lonnie Chisenhall (L) 3B
7. Matt LaPorta (R) DH
8. Ezequiel Carrera (L) CF
9. Jason Donald (R) SS

The first pitch on Friday night is scheduled to be thrown at 7:05 p.m. ET.

Take a look at Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians. Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.

Tigers Vs. Indians: Cleveland To Play Spoiler Against Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander and the Tigers need every win they can get and the Indians will look to play spoiler.