Preview: Indians Look to Continue Dominance Over Twins in Wednesday Showdown

CLEVELAND - The Indians own a comfortable lead in the AL Central, and everyone knows that winning the division isn't going to be the issue in 2018. The team

CLEVELAND - The Indians own a comfortable lead in the AL Central, and everyone knows that winning the division isn't going to be the issue in 2018.

The team has overcome the fact they have had their issues earlier in the season against the rival Twins, a team that went 6-3 to start the year against the Tribe.

Tuesday night at Progressive Field it was more like the Indians team that has been pretty good in the second half, as they slammed the Twins 8-1 behind a solid performance by Carlos Carrasco.

It was also a big night at the plate for Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, who both had their struggles the last few games leading up to the first game of the homestand.

Wednesday it's Adam Plutko for the Indians against rookie Kohl Stewart, as Plutko will look to rebounds after a tough outing against the Red Sox in his last outing.

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

Time: 7:10 p.m.

Starting Pitchers: RHP Kohl Stewart (0-1, 6.94) vs. RHP Adam Plutko (4-4, 5.09)

TV: SportsTime Ohio

Online: MLB.TV

Radio: WTAM 1100am, Indians Radio Network

1. Plutko Back on the Bump

Tribe starter Adam Plutko is struggling to find consistency on the mound since being put in the spot for the injured Trevor Bauer.

In his last start he allowed 5 earned runs on 5 hits while walking 5 and striking out 4 in 4.1 against the Red Sox in the finale on Thursday in Fenway Park.

Right now he sits at 4-4 with a 5.09 ERA, but the good news is he's getting experience as a starter, but he's got to get back to the level he was early in the season when he he won his first three starts in May.

2. Lowdown on Twins Stater Kohl Stewart

The Twins knowing they are clearly out of the playoff picture, are trying to get a look at former first round pick Kohl Stewart.

He was the 4th overall pick by the Twins in 2013 and he’s now at the Major League level for the first time as the team will give him a shot.

It's not been a good start for the rookie, as he's allowed nine earned runs, walking seven hitters, striking out nine in 11.2 innings.

What's good about Stewart? He's got a solid slider, which he will mix in with his fastball, something the Indians have to be on tonight if they want to have success against him.

3. Back to Normal

It's been a bit of a rough stretch for both Indians All Stars Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, but Tuesday night they both got back on track.

Lindor came into Tuesday’s game hitting .194, with no home runs and four RBIs in his last 14 games. Ramirez was hitting .128 with one homer and two RBIs in his last 11 games.

The pair owned the plate on Tuesday, as combined the two went 6-for-9, with Lindor going 4-for-5 and Ramirez going 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

It's no secret that if the Indians are going to get past the ALDS and into the ALCS come October, they need a lot more of what they got Tuesday at the plate from their two best hitters.