The streaking Cleveland Indians will have to defeat one of the Angels aces tonight if they are to extend their 8-game win streak. With 6 wins in his last 6 decisions, Dan Haren is looking to improve to 3-0 in 2011, while the Angels try to improve on their record of 6-2 over his last 8 starts. In those 8 starts, Haren has compiled a 1.66 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 10 walks covering 48.2 innings.
Reggie Willits will get his first start of the 2011 season tonight. Willits was activated from the 15-day DL today and is replacing slumping Vernon Wells in left field. Willits had been on the DL since suffering a strained left calf during spring training. To make room on their roster for Willits, the Angels optioned OF Chris Petit to triple-A Salt Lake City.
Indians (8-2)
1. Michael Brantley (L) CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Shin-Soo Choo (L) RF
4. Carlos Santana (S) C
5. Travis Hafner (L) DH
6. Orlando Cabrera (R) 2B
7. Travis Buck (L) LF
8. Matt LaPorta (R) 1B
9. Jack Hannahan (L) 3B
Angels (5-5)
1. Maicer Izturis (S) SS
2. Howard Kendrick (R) 2B
3. Bobby Abreu (L) DH
4. Torii Hunter (R) RF
5. Alberto Callaspo (S) 3B
6. Mark Trumbo (R) 1B
7. Reggie Willits (S) LF
8. Jeff Mathis (R) C
9. Peter Bourjos (R) CF
Tonight’s 7:05 p.m. PDT game will be televised on Prime.
For more news and information on the Angels, or on tonight’s game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.