Ramírez, Indians clinch playoff spot with 5-3 win over WSox
(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)CLEVELAND – With one sweet swing, José Ramírez pushed the Cleveland Indians into the playoffs and strengthened his case for the AL MVP award. Ramírez hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, giving Cleveland a 5-3 win over the Chicago White Sox that clinched a postseason berth Tuesday night. Aces Lucas Giolito of the White Sox and Shane Bieber of the Indians face off Wednesday. Earlier in the inning, White Sox manager Rick Renteria and shortstop Tim Anderson were ejected by umpire Ángel Hernández after Luis Robert looked at a called third strike. Indians: RHP Jefry Rodriguez (right shoulder strain) is on the 45-day injured list and will not pitch again this season.
Cubs beat Indians 7-2 to match their best start since 1970
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks delivers in the first inning in a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Cleveland. The Cubs are 12-3 in their first season under manager David Ross, matching the club's start after 15 games in 1970. Hendricks hadn't faced the Indians since Nov. 2, 2016, when he started the dramatic finale as the Cubs beat the Indians in extra innings to clinch their first Series title since 1908. Indians: C Roberto Perez (shoulder) has been running and throwing at the team's alternate site in Lake County. Indians: Following their second off day in four days, Cleveland opens a three-game series in Detroit on Friday.
Perez homers twice, Indians power past Astros
Starting pitcher Jose Urquidy of the Houston Astros reacts after giving up a three-run homer to Roberto Perez of the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday (Jason Miller/Getty Images). Perez hit a three-run homer in the second inning off rookie Jos Urquidy (1-1) and a solo shot in the sixth as the Indians stayed on Minnesota's heels in the AL Central. The Indians' homer barrage came a few hours after the team acquired sluggers Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes in a three-team trade that sent starter Trevor Bauer to Cincinnati. Indians: RHP Corey Kluber (broken right forearm) could begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment next week. Indians: RHP Danny Salazar makes his first major league appearance since Game 4 of the 2017 Division Series.