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In a tie for the American League's worst record with the Minnesota Twins, the Indians would have been eliminated from the playoffs already if they were a member of any other division in the MLB. However, the team may finally be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs by the end of the weekend.
With very, very little chance at the postseason, the Indians can fill the role of spoiler in a three-game series against the Tigers, beginning on Friday night. To do so, though, they'll need to best Justin Verlander, who has struggled in the last month.
Verlander is 1-1 in his last six starts and gave up six runs through six innings against the Angels to earn a loss in his last start. Taking the mound for the Indians will be Corey Kluber, whose only win in 2012 came against the Tigers on Sept. 3.
The first pitch for Friday's game at Progressive Field is scheduled to be thrown at 7:05 p.m. ET and will be televised on STO Network and FOX Sports Detroit.
Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league. Check out Let's Go Tribe for some more info on the Indians.