Indians-Tigers postponed, makeup date TBD
CLEVELAND -- The Indians have plenty of hurdles to overcome when it comes to climbing up the standings in the American League's Wild Card race. Cleveland could not have anticipated that weather would get in the way of the team's attempt to stay in the hunt.
On Saturday night, the Indians had their game postponed against the Tigers for the second day in a row due to steady rain. With Cleveland and Detroit scheduled to play a traditional doubleheader on Sunday, a potential makeup date for Saturday's rainout is currently to be determined.
"It's a game of adjustments," Indians starter Cody Anderson said. "So, you've just got to adjust to rain delays."
Sunday's twin bill is slated to begin at 1:10 p.m. ET.
The Indians and Tigers do not have mutual off-days during the remainder of the regular season. Cleveland's lone remaining day off is on Sept. 21, but Detroit has a doubleheader scheduled against the White Sox that day. Detroit has off-days on Thursday, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, but the Indians have games on those dates.
One possibility would be for the Indians and Tigers to play on Oct. 5, following the final day of Major League Baseball's regular season. If the teams elect to go that route, the game would likely only be played if it is necessary for finalizing the Wild Card picture.
Before officially postponing Saturday's game at 9:38 p.m. ET, Indians manager Terry Francona, general manager Chris Antonetti, bench coach Brad Mills and a member of the club's grounds crew walked around left field to inspect the condition of the playing field. Shortly after they discussed the situation in the outfield, the Indians announced that the game would not be played.
"I'm sure a little break is good," Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor said. "It's not completely off, because we came to the field, we worked in the cage, some of us lifted weights and stuff like that, and we're in the training room to do whatever we had to do. A little break sometimes is good. Not only for the players, but also for coaches, for everybody."
For Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader, the Indians will hand the ball to right-hander Cody Anderson (3-3, 3.72 ERA) and the Tigers will counter with righty Justin Verlander (3-7, 3.43 ERA). Both starters were the probable pitchers for both the Friday and Saturday games that were postponed due to rain. Trevor Bauer (11-11, 4.47 ERA) and Randy Wolf (0-3, 6.55 ERA) will start for the Indians and Tigers, respectively, in Game 2.
"You've just got to stay focused," Anderson said of being pushed back two days in a row. "Instead of being locked in for one day, you're locked in for three. You've just got to be able to adjust. I played in the Carolina League, so this happened all the time."
Cleveland and Detroit's probable pitchers beyond Sunday are currently to be determined.