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On Friday night, the Cleveland Indians (9-8) will open their final series of April when they host the Los Angeles Angels (6-13) at Progressive Field for a three-game weekend set. Currently in the midst of a two-game losing streak, the Central Division leading Tribe will look to right the ship against an underperforming Angels team that has lost four straight and currently sits in the cellar of the American league's West Division.
Here is the projected lineup for the Indians, courtesy of Jordan Bastian:
Today's Tribe 9: Brantley CF, Kipnis 2B, Cabrera SS, Hafner DH, Santana C,Hannahan 3B, Duncan LF, Kotchman 1B, Cunningham RF. Masterson SP.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 27, 2012
The Indians are planning to start Justin Masterson who will be looking to register his first win of the season on Friday night. He is currently 0-2 with two no-decisions and a 6.65 ERA in 21.2 innings pitched. He will face Angels' ace, Jered Wevaer who currently undeafeted this season in four starts (3-0) and has 28 strikeouts in 29.2 innings pitched.
The Indians will have to adjust to playing without lefty specialist Rafael Perez who was placed on the 15-day DL on Friday.
Indians place LHP Rafael Perez (left lat strain) on 15-day DL. Recall LHP Nick Hagadone from AAA Columbus. More soon on MLB. com.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 27, 2012
It was reported that the Indians indicated that Perez suffered a lat strain on Wednesday night.
For more on the Cleveland Indians, check out Let's Go Tribe. You can also head over to SB Nation's main MLB hub at Baseball Nation.