Indians at Royals
The Cleveland Indians look to continue their torrid performance when they open a four-game set against the host Kansas City Royals on Thursday. Cleveland has won nine of its past 11 games and 30 of its last 42 to move a season-high 17 games above .500.
The Indians won two of three in Toronto to open a seven-game road trip, including a one-hitter by All-Star right-hander Shane Bieber in Thursday's 4-0 victory. Greg Allen had three hits and Jose Ramirez had two in the win that allowed Cleveland to maintain its lead in the American League wild-card chase as it stands two games behind the Central-leading Minnesota Twins. Kansas City is also playing well with a 9-3 record since the All-Star break - two of the losses are to the Indians - and defeated the host Atlanta Braves 2-0 on Wednesday to sweep a two-game set. Cheslor Cuthbert had two hits for his fifth multi-hit effort in the past nine games.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Adam Plutko (3-2, 4.81 ERA) vs. Royals LH Mike Montgomery (1-3, 6.83)
Plutko lost to the Royals in a strong outing Saturday when he gave up one run and two hits in seven innings in a 1-0 loss. Kansas City's Hunter Dozier slugged a first-inning homer for the game's lone run as the 27-year-old saw his winless stretch reach five straight appearances (0-1). Plutko, who is 0-2 with a 3.57 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against Kansas City, has served up 14 blasts in 48 2/3 innings this season and 36 in 129 career innings.
Montgomery lost to Cleveland in his team debut Friday when he was pummeled for five runs and six hits in two-plus innings of a 10-5 setback. The 30-year-old made 20 relief appearances for the Chicago Cubs prior to the recent trade and Thursday's starting assignment will be the 58th of his five-year career. Montgomery is 0-1 with a 9.53 ERA in six career appearances (one start) against the Indians.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians RF Tyler Naquin (hamstring) sat out the past two games and is jeopardy of missing the series opener.
2. Kansas City placed Jakob Junis on the paternity list - he is still expected to start Friday - and recalled fellow RHP Jake Newberry from Triple-A Omaha.
3. Cleveland RHP Corey Kluber (pitching arm) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and is slated to throw again Saturday as he continues his recovery from suffering a broken arm due to being hit by a line drive May 1.