A Brazilian Debut! – Game Preview And Lineups 7/30

It’s a debut! Not only is it a debut but it’s a historic one. Andre Rienzo is set to be the first Brazilian born pitcher in MLB history and will even be facing the only other Brazilian-born player in Yan Gomes. All of this made possible by the Jake Peavy trade that, at the time of this writing, has yet to actually happen. Rienzo also has another small piece of trivia to distinguish him from the rest of the pack. His last start in the minor leagues was a no-hitter, albeit a 7 inning one. With that, he heads upward.

Rienzo’s no-hitter last week pulled his ERA down to 4.06 on the year. Not great as a whole but he had a rough start to 2013, allowing 6 or more runs in four out his first seven starts. He’s since settled down, getting the attention of the White Sox coaching staff and earning him this opportunity to fill in on a roster that could suddenly have any number of vacancies within the next several hours.

At the beginning the season, Scott Kazmir starting was a notable story as well. Kazmir had gone 2 years between starts, and you’d have to head back to 2010 to find one that lasted 2 innings. The unlikely comeback has been a success and over the last month he’s been pitching incredibly well, allowing just 17 hits total over 5 starts including an 8 inning 1-hitter in his most recent outing. 8 innings is not something that even in-his-prime Scott Kazmir saw very often.

Today’s Lineup:

1.De Aza – CF
2.Alexei – SS
3.Rios – RF
4.Dunn – 1B
5.Konerko – DH
6.Gillaspie – 3B
7.Viciedo – LF
8.Beckham – 2B
9.Phegley – C

Cleveland Indians Lineup:

1.Michael Bourn – CF
2.Nick Swisher – RF
3.Jason Kipnis – 2B
4.Asdrubal Cabrera – SS
5.Michael Brantley – LF
6.Carlos Santana – 1B
7.Jason Giambi – DH
8.Lonnie Chisenhall – 3B
9.Yan Gomes – C

Where to Watch
Today’s game will be broadcast on WCIU and Sports Time Ohio. 6:05 Central start time.