Interleague Play Preview: AL Central foes provide tough tasks for St. Louis

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May 10, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; A general view of Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) jersey after defeating the Minnesota Twins 8-2 at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians

STL plays: May 12-14 (Road)

Record: 11-19, 5th in AL Central

Season outlook: After averaging just over 88 wins in Terry Francona‘s first two years as head coach, the Indians are currently on a tough slide in which they have lost five of their last eight games. Perhaps the team’s biggest issue early on has been losing in-division rivals, in which Cleveland fares just 7-16.

Key Players: Reigning AL Cy Young recipient Corey Kluber, who is scheduled to pitch against the Cardinals on Wednesday, is winless through his first seven starts and sports a mediocre 5.04 ERA. Michael Brantley and Carlos Santana, who both have driven in over a dozen runs, make up a potentially dangerous offense.

Prediction: St. Louis earns 2-1 series victory, winning last two games in Cleveland.