Pregame Notes: Cleveland Indians battle in-state foes at home

The Cleveland Indians may have finally turned the corner to a more successful 2015.

After losing over one month’s worth of series, the Tribe earned just their second series victory of the season in Texas earlier this week and followed that up by taking three of four from Chicago. Their starting pitching was absolutely stellar and, while they didn’t score many runs throughout the series, the offense was there when the Indians needed it.

Cleveland looks to continue the trend with right-hander Carlos Carrasco on the hill.

After a strong start to his 2015 campaign, Carrasco has tailed off drastically in the month of May. The 28-year-old right-hander is 2-2 in four starts this month, posting a 5.20 ERA and allowing at least three runs in every start over that stretch.

He is coming off a solid outing, however, that saw him take a complete game loss in Texas on Sunday. He still allowed five runs in that performance and has struggled as of late to match his early-season performance.

Opposite Carrasco is Cincinnati righty Mike Leake, who is coming off the worst start of his season. Facing the Giants last Saturday, Leake was scorched for nine runs of five innings, raising his season ERA from a very strong 2.38 to a pedestrian 3.62. Leake had allowed just one earned run in his prior three outings before getting shelled by San Francisco.

History is certainly on Leake’s side, as the Tribe hasn’t had much luck against their in-state foes in recent years. The Reds have won 10 of their last 15 series against the Indians, but they’ve been significantly less successful at Progressive Field.

Here are the starting lineups:

News & Notes:

-Due to his rough start to the season — and Shaun Marcum‘s dazzling debut in the rotation — T.J. House was activated from the 15-day disabled list yesterday and immediately optioned to Triple-A Columbus.

–According to Paul Hoynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, Terry Francona has announced that Yan Gomes will be in uniform and behind the dish for Sunday’s series finale against the Reds. The move will require the Tribe to option either the youthful Roberto Perez or the veteran Brett Hayes to Triple-A.

–Jason Kipnis had a little bit of fun last night on Instagram at the expense of relief pitcher Bryan Shaw.