Preview: Carlos Carrasco Looks to Get the Indians a Series Win Today Over the Rays

CLEVELAND - The Indians fell Saturday night as fans seemed more interested in the sight of new Tribe third basemen Josh Donaldson in the dugout than the product

CLEVELAND - The Indians fell Saturday night as fans seemed more interested in the sight of new Tribe third basemen Josh Donaldson in the dugout than the product on the field.

Blake Snell and the Rays were able to pull out a 5-3 win after the Indians were up early 2-0, but then Snell, who has been the best player on Tampa's roster this season, settled in and threw well in shutting down the Indians offense the rest of the way.

Jason Kipnis homered in the 9th to make it a two-run game, but the Indians would get no closer as Shane Bieber suffered the loss as the starter for the Tribe.

Today it's a rare 4:10pm Sunday first pitch, with Carlos Carrasco looking for win 17 for the Indians against Diego Castillo at Progressive Field.

Here's a look at today's game with a quick preview.

Time: 4:10 p.m.

Starting Pitchers: Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.73) vs RHP Carlos Carrasco (16-7, 3.38)

TV: STO

Online: MLB TV

Radio: WTAM 1100am, Indians Radio Network

1. Over a Year

It's been some time since Carlos Carrasco has gotten to pitch against the Rays, a team he's thrown very well against in his career.

Today will be his first start against Tampa Bay since August 11th of last season when he was the winning pitcher in a 5-0 victory.

That day he pitched eight scoreless innings in that game, allowing two hits, with 10 strikeouts and two walks. In nine career appearances against the Rays Carrasco is 4-3 with a 2.77 ERA.

He came close to throwing a no-hitter against the Rays a few years back, and normally has strong outings against them. He will look for that today as he looks for win 17 to tie Rays starter Blake Snell.

2. Who in the World is Deigo (Castillo)?

The Indians will get their first crack at Rays Sunday starter Diego Castillo, a young pitcher who doesn't have a ton of experience starting games on the mound.

He's appeared in 33 games this year, 30 in relief and three as a starter.

As a reliever he is 3-2 with a 3.53 ERA. In his three starts he has a 5.06 ERA and no decisions. In those starts he has pitched a total of 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs and six hits, with six strikeouts and no walks.

His last start came back on August 29th as he threw two innings against the Braves in an 8-5 win.

In that game he allowed three runs and three hits, with two strikeouts and no walks. If the Indians can get to him early, it could be a long day for the Rays pen.

3. Keep Kip Going

Jason Kipnis is in the weird flux right now of just waiting to have to sit the bench once new pickup Josh Donaldson is ready to go and Jose Ramirez is moved to second base.

He plans on making it hard for the Indians to sit him, as he homered last night, and has been on a tear in his last six games, hitting 10-for-19 (.526) with three homers and 10 RBI.

Terry Francona said Saturday that Kipnis will take some balls in center field again like he did last season, but overall wasn't too thrilled about Donaldson coming and likely moving him out of his natural position.

If he keeps hitting like he has been the last six games, the team won't have any choice but to find a way to keep him in the lineup.