The set up: The 60-42 Indians are one of four MLB teams with 60-plus wins as the month of August opens, while the 40-64 Twins are one of five teams with 60-plus losses. Cleveland's plus-$927 moneyline mark ranks fourth-best among MLB's 30 teams, while Minnesota's minus-$1,685 mark ranks 28th. All Star reliever Andrew Miller will make his debut in an Indians uniform on Monday night, as the two teams open a four-game series in Cleveland. Miller fills a major hole in the Indians' bullpen, as he's not only an All Star but he's also a lefty. The Indians have gone most of this season without a left-hander in their bullpen but now they have arguably the best left-handed reliever in the game. The Twins did just complete a 15-11 July but it's their first winning month of the season and Minnesota opens the series 21 games back of the Indians.

The pitching matchup: Tyler Duffey (5-8, 6.12 ERA) was scheduled to start for the Twins but Minnesota has recalled Jose Berrios from Triple-A on Monday and it looks as if he will get the nod. That said, Berrios was 1-1 with a awful 10.20 ERA in four starts with the Twins earlier this season but his 2.44 ERA in 16 starts at Rochester has caught Molitor's attention. There is no indecision as to who will make the start for Cleveland, as Terry Francona is happy to pencil in the name of Danny Salazar. He's 11-3 with a 2.97 ERA, despite suffering through a ‘rocky' July in which he posted 6.14 ERA in four starts.

The pick: Here's the bottom line. The Indians are 13-6 (plus-$522) in Salazar's 19 starts this season and welcome the Twins to Cleveland where the team is averaging a healthy 5.70 RPG. The Indians may not need their new left-handed relief pitcher tonight, as this game won't be close. The Indians are a 6* play.