The New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians return to American League action on the Fourth of July in opening a three-game series at Progressive Field

New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians

New York had its season-high seven-game winning streak halted Sunday afternoon, dropping a 3-2 contest to the Mets, which was a shocking result due to All-Star closer Mariano Rivera blowing his fourth save of the year.  Rivera was just a strike away from leading the club to its 51st win of the season, but instead the result was the team’s fourth loss in 19 games.  Much of the attention tonight will be surrounding the likely return of shortstop Derek Jeter from the disabled list.  He went 1-for-2 for Double-A Trenton Sunday last night and was taken out after six innings in the field.  It feels good, I’ve been gone for three weeks almost,” Jeter commented about his right calf injury.  “I’m looking forward to being back.”  New York is 22-14 on the road this season.

Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett is 8-6 with a 4.05 ERA in 17 starts this season and registered a 5-2 home win in his last outing against the Brewers.  New York has alternated wins and losses over his last four outings.  The right-hander is an even 2-2 with a 4.08 ERA in six road starts, as opponents are hitting .219 against him.  In nine career outings versus the Indians, Burnett brings in a losing 3-5 mark and 4.47 ERA, including a 1-4 record and 7.12 ERA at Progressive Field.

Cleveland has its own star infielder to feature in this series opener, as Asdrubal Cabrera was named an All-Star reserve Sunday.  “What Asdrubal has done this year is nothing short of All-Star caliber,” said Indians manager Manny Acta.  “He’s been a big part of stabilizing our lineup.”  The Indians had their three-game winning streak snapped yesterday in a 7-5 road loss to the Reds in interleague action.  Offensively, the club ranks sixth in the American League in runs per game, while its pitching staff also ranks the same with a 3.77 ERA.  Cleveland is 24-14 at home this season and 28-25 versus winning teams.

Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin is 9-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 16 starts this season and bring in a two-game winning streak.  He received a no-decision for his latest effort, giving up two runs and five hits over seven frames in a 6-4 road loss to the Diamondbacks.  The right-hander has recorded a fantastic 6-1 record and 3.35 ERA in eight home games, issuing just six walks in 51 frames.  In two career starts versus the Yankees, Tomlin is an even 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA, picking up the loss on June 12 at Yankee Stadium.

Bettors will likely back the Indians due to their 11-1 mark in Tomlin’s last 12 home starts, while the Yankees are 3-10 when Burnett throws on the road