Indians Look to Stay Hot Against the Royals; The Tribe Starting Nine

The Indians are back at Progressive Field following their successful sweep of the Detroit Tigers over the weekend, and now will have three games against another AL Central foe – the Kansas City Royals.

Adam Plutko gets the call for the Indians tonight, he comes in with a mark of 3-1 with a 4.55 ERA.

In his last start on Wednesday Plutko allowed two earned runs for the third straight start earning a no-decision against the Rangers in Arlington.

The Royals will throw out lefty Brad Keller (3-9, 4.45 ERA), who enters Monday’s outing with an 0-4 mark over his past five starts.

Keller was beat up by the Mariners last Wednesday, as he gave up two homers in the first inning and seven runs on nine hits over four innings of an 8-2 loss.

The Indians have won 13 of 18, and eight of their last 10 as they enter play this evening.

Here is tonight’s starting nine for the Tribe:

Francisco Lindor SS
Oscar Mercado CF
Carlos Santana 1B
Jason Kipnis 2B
Jose Ramirez 3B
Jake Bauers LF
Bobby Bradley DH
Roberto Perez C
Tyler Naquin RF

Here’s the Royals lineup:

Merrifield OF
Lopez 2B
Gordon OF
Dozier 3B
Soler DH
Cuthbert 1B
Arteaga SS
Maldonado C
Hamilton OF