CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – A LOT OF THE CENTRAL – The Indians will be wrapping up the 2012 season with games against no one but the American League Central. In all, the club will play the White Sox and Royals in two three-game sets, while they will play the Tigers and Twins three times each.

“They are still going out there and getting after it,” Manny Acta said. “This last series in Texas they had a good showing making sure their closer was out there three times in a row.”

The Indians are 23-31 this season against the AL Central as they start the series tonight against the Tigers at home.

ACAB AND Dr.SMOOTH UPDATE – Both SS Asdrubal Cabrera and OF Michael Brantley are out of the lineup again tonight, but Acta had encouraging news on the both of them in the pregame.

“Asdrubal is doing better, he’s being medicated, and he’s available to play defense or hit from the right side,” Acta said. “Hopefully we will be able to have him by the end of the weekend.”

Acta said that Cabrera got a shot in his wrist, which is now being officially referred to as sprained.

Brantley has a left pec strain he did while swinging the bat, and Acta said he should be available by Sunday.

PLAYING THE SPOILER – The Indians have played better against the Tigers than any other team in the AL Central in 2012, going 9-6 against them entering Friday night.

The Tribe is helping out the White Sox, who enter Friday with a one-game lead over the Tigers. The Indians are 5-1 against the Tigers in Cleveland, including two wins over Tigers ace Justin Verlander.

A RARE COMEBACK – Last night in Texas the Indians defeated the Rangers 5-4. The win was just the second this season for the Indians when trailing after eight complete innings. The Indians are 2-75 when trailing after eight innings.

The other win which came trailing after 8 innings – April 19th in Seattle when the team rallied for two runs off Mariners closer Brandon League for a 2-1 win.

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