The bottom continues to fall out on the second half of Cleveland's season as we enter August, as the Indians will be looking to avoid dropping their fifth consecutive game on Wednesday evening in game two against Kansas City.
Currently winless after four attempts during their nine-game roadtrip, the Indians somehow remain only six games out of the division lead after this latest freefall. Impressive youngster Zach McAllister, who has fanned at least five batters in six straight outings, will get the ball for Indians manager Manny Acta in game two, while Luis Mendoza will make his 14th start of 2012 for the Royals.
Despite not being dealt at the deadline as previously reported, Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has struggled to keep up his impressive pace as of late during Cleveland's skid. After hitting the .297 mark on July 27, Choo has been mired in a 1-for-14 slump from the plate that has brought his average back down to .288. Now that the rumors about his possible departure have dissipated, the Indians clearly need Choo to get back on track in the coming weeks.
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