The set-up: This series features a number of competitive match ups on the mound, however I don't think that this is one of them. For a number of different reasons, I believe this one favors the visitors. The Indians go with Carlos Carrasco on the hill, while the Twins go with Adalberto Mejia


The pitchers: Carrasco is so far 12-5 with a 3.89 ERA. He most recently gave up three runs (just one earned) off seven hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over 6.1 innings in a no-decision to Detroit on Friday. Carrasco was on top form, generating 19 swinging strikes out of 97 pitches and since the All Star break he's posted a 16:3 K/BB over 13 innings.


Mejia is so far 1-0 with a 3.65 ERA. Mejia is back in the rotation out of necessity and so far he's posted a 3.68 ERA to go along with a poor 1.67 WHIP over 12.1 innings this year.


The pick: Carrasco comes in rested and focused and I don't think there's any reason not to think that he won't carry over his recent momentum here. Mejia has been decent in his limited time this season, but there's no question he draws a tough matchup this afternoon. I think Carrasco will have more than enough in the tank to get the better of his counterpart and that makes this a price in which I have no issues at all in laying. Play on the Indians.