A.M. Wahoo’s: Indians Win, Sweep Royals

Taking a look at the news surrounding the Cleveland Indians and the rest of the MLB on the morning of September 23, 2016.

The Cleveland Indians continued the winning ways Thursday night, sweeping the Kansas City Royals. Mike Clevinger got the start and proved the sky isn’t falling, going five innings and only allowing two runs on four hits. Carlos Santana did the work on offense, driving in four runs in the 5-2 victory.

The win gives the Indians 89 on the season with 10 games still to play. It also brings the magic number down to four, with a chance to clinch the AL Central at home still a possibility this weekend.

While we wait for some weekend baseball, let’s start by taking a look at the news surrounding the Indians and the rest of the MLB in today’s edition of A.M. Wahoo’s.

Cleveland Indians News:

The Revival of Roberto Perez

"The pitch came in at about 92 miles per hour, a low heater from closer Cody Allen. Less than two seconds later, the ball popped into the glove of shortstop Francisco Lindor, right on the first base side of the bag about a foot above the ground, and Kansas City’s Terrance Gore slid into it, caught stealing. It was a pivotal point in a 4-3 win for the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night."

Cleveland Indians a Virtual Lock to Win the AL Central

"It ain’t over ‘til it’s over. Yogi Berra was certainly on to something, as baseball has proved again and again throughout its history that the unthinkable can hit at any time. Yet, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine a scenario in which the Cleveland Indians do not cross the regular season finish line as American League Central Division champions."

One Month Doesn’t Define Josh Tomlin

"The 2016 Cleveland Indians are a team known for having great starting pitching, and Josh Tomlin has been a key reason for that reputation for much of this season. Tomlin had a great outing Tuesday night, going 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run and striking out three batters. His great performance allowed the team to remain in the game, ultimately winning in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the ninth."

Tribe Are Unrecognizable Compared to 6 Months Ago (Let’s Go Tribe)

"Much has been written in recent days arguing whether or not the Cleveland Indians’ season is dead in the water. Which is silly, since they still have to play more baseball, and I’m confident they will win four more games this year, and the Detroit Tigers will lose four more. That’s just how baseball is. You lose a bunch even when you’re good."

Perez Developing Into Elite Pitch-Framer (Indians.com)

"Whit Merrifield stepped across home plate and prepared to toss his bat away. Thinking he had drawn a walk, the Royals second baseman then threw his head back and yelled in disgust after home-plate umpire Carlos Torres rung him up on a called strikeout. “That’s not a strike,” Merrifield barked as he walked back to the dugout."

MLB News:

Baltimore Orioles gift David Ortiz broken dugout phone (FanSided)

"Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has been a thorn in the side of the Baltimore Orioles for most of his career. With Big Papi retiring after this season, the Orioles have to be a bit happy they won’t be dealing with him any longer."

Chicago White Sox: Abreu Points Out Lack of Desire (Call to the Pen)

"When the Chicago White Sox added Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie to the team via trade during the offseason, it showed that the White Sox wanted to get better and compete in the near future. When they then added Austin Jackson in an attempt to complete the outfield, it seemed like the team was at least somewhat ready to compete in an AL Central division that was up for grabs."

Mariners Catcher Barfs Out Thoughts About Protestors (Deadspin)

"Steve Clevenger is an oft-injured backup catcher for the Seattle Mariners, who is hitting .221 this season in 68 at-bats. This afternoon, he weighed in on the protests sweeping through Charlotte with all the subtlety of an elephant playing the piano."