Tampa Bay @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( May 29, 2011 ) Cleveland 0, Tampa Bay 7

The Cleveland Indians and the Tampa Bay Rays both hope to stay in the playoff race through the end of the regular season. They might even be fighting for the same spot. The Indians, who sit second in the American League Central, and the Rays - third in the East - could be battling for one of the two wild card spots. Tied in the loss column, Tampa Bay enters the four-game set at Cleveland fresh off a devastating loss.

The Rays were in position to sweep the New York Yankees on Wednesday, when their normally reliable bullpen imploded in a 4-3 setback. Loser of seven of its last 10 overall, Tampa Bay is fighting through an offensive slump and can ill afford for its pitchers to falter as well. The Indians have won four of five and are coming off a series win over the Los Angeles Angels. After getting shut out in the series opener, Cleveland put 21 runs on the board in the final two games. Former Ray Johnny Damon recorded a season-high three hits on Wednesday in a 12-3 triumph.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SUN (Tampa Bay), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-4, 3.44 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (4-5, 5.85)

Hellickson took a line drive off the right shin and was pulled after 2 2/3 innings in his last start. X-rays were negative and he will start Thursday on normal rest. Hellickson has not won since May 16 despite allowing three runs or less in five of his last six turns. The right-hander has only made one start against Cleveland in the past, allowing three hits and striking out six in seven scoreless frames to earn a win.

Tomlin has been knocked around lately, posting an 8.24 ERA over his last four starts. The 27-year old managed to earn a win at Baltimore last weekend despite being tagged for five runs in six innings. Tomlin has made two career starts against the Rays, going 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays 3B and cleanup hitter Jeff Keppinger left Wednesday’s game after getting hit by a pitch in the triceps. Manager Joe Maddon said after the game, “It’s a little bit swollen, but he’s fine.”

2. Indians DH Travis Hafner (knee) came off the disabled list and started on Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with a pair of walks. He is not expected to play everyday.

3. Cleveland is averaging nine runs over its last five wins.