The Indians, after their stirring rally and walk-off grand slam from Carlos Santana last night, take on the Tigers again this evening at 6:05 at Progressive Field. seeking their twelfth straight win at home, and trying to extend their franchise-record for wins in April to 18.
Alex White will be making his major league debut in this one for Cleveland. White was 1-0 with a 1.90 ERA for AAA Columbus, and has been added to the roster — along with last night’s starter, Jeanmar Gomez — due to injuries to starters Mitch Talbot and Carlos Carrasco. White is the Indians’ top pitching prospect, and perhaps, with a good outing tonight, he could become more than a prospect.
Detroit counters with Rick Porcello (1-2, 4.76 ERA). Porcello is perfect in his career against the Indians, going 4-0 with a 2.28 ERA in seven starts versus the Tribe, and is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA at Progressive Field, In each of his four starts in Cleveland, Porcello has allowed only one run, so it will not be easy tonight for the Indians to move to 18-8.
Porcello surrendered 10 runs in 10 innings and lost his first two starts of the year, but in his last two starts, versus the Mariners and the Athletics, Porcello has allowed only two runs in 12 2/3 innings, and beat Seatlle in his last start on April 20.
On the year, Porcello has struck out 16 and walked six in 22 2/3 innings, and has allowed 29 hits. For his career, Porcello has a mark of 25-23 and an ERA of 4.45 in 62 games, all of which have been starts.
To make room on the roster, Frank Herrmann was sent back down to Columbus, and Jess Todd was dropped from the 40-man roster.