A stiff back prevented Allen from pitching in the Indians' 2-0 victory against Houston. Allen threw a side session on Tuesday and, according to manager Terry Francona, is expected to be available out of the bullpen on Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cody Allen watched the ninth inning from afar on Tuesday night.

A stiff back prevented Allen from pitching in the Indians' 2-0 victory against Houston. Allen threw a side session on Tuesday and, according to manager Terry Francona, is expected to be available out of the bullpen on Wednesday.

Bryan Shaw retired the side in order in the ninth in Allen's place. He needed only seven pitches to do so.

Francona said Allen's back has acted up "for a couple of days." The right-hander has not pitched since Friday night in Pittsburgh.

"I just wanted to be cautious," Francona said. "I just thought it made sense not to pitch him. It was a hard thing to do, but I think it's in his best interest."

Zach McAllister relieved starter Corey Kluber in the seventh. He finished off that frame and tossed a scoreless eighth as well.

Shaw, who boasts a 1.82 ERA, earned his second save of the season. 

"You have to think of it just as another inning," he said. "That's the way I look at it."

Shaw has limited the opposition to one earned run on six hits over his last 16 innings. After a rough spring training, Shaw struggled some in April. He allowed 10 hits over his first 5 1/3 innings. He said he approached pitching coach Mickey Callaway and bullpen coach Jason Bere in mid-April because he felt something was wrong with his mechanics, but he "couldn't pinpoint" the problem.

"I talked to them about it and we looked at some different stuff and found exactly what the little issues were," Shaw said. "We fixed those and everything has been better since."

Allen, who has logged a 3.34 ERA and 16 saves this season, has not allowed a run since May 24. He surrendered four runs in two of his first five outings. Since, he has posted a 1.45 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 31 innings. During that stretch, he has held the opposition to a .170 batting average and a .491 OPS.

Corey Kluber, Zach McAllister and Bryan Shaw combined on a six-hitter in the Tribe's 2-0 victory over Houston. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -The Indians didn't do anything different Tuesday night for Corey Kluber. In fact, they did less. Kluber and the bullpen, however, took matters into their own hands.

Kluber threw 6 2/3 scoreless innings and the bullpen did the rest in the Indians' 2-0 victory over Houston at Progressive Field. It was Kluber's fourth win of the season and his first since May 28.

This was an early exit by Kluber (4-9, 3.45), who pitched at least seven innings in 10 of his last 12 starts. Still, he held the powerful Astros scoreless, striking out seven, while walking two and allowing five hits.

The seven strikeouts gave Kluber the AL lead with 148, one more than Chicago left-hander Chris Sale. He ranks second with 125 1/3 innings pitched.

Kluber left in the seventh with runners on the corners, two out and a 2-0 lead. Zach McAllister relieved and struck out dangerous Jose Altuve with a pitch in the dirt to end the inning.

McAllister pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings before handing the ball to Bryan Shaw, who pitched the ninth for his second save. Manager Terry Francona said after the game that Cody Allen was not available because of a stiff back.

The Indians supported Kluber in his first 17 starts with a RSA (run support average) of 2.43 runs. They couldn't even match that Tuesday, but when the other team doesn't score, it doesn't really matter.

Michael Brantley pushed the Tribe's lead to 2-0 with a leadoff homer in the sixth. Brantley hit Vincent Velasquez's first pitch into the right field seats for his fifth homer of the season and first since May 14 against St. Louis.

The Indians took 1-0 lead in the first on two-out hits by Brantley and David Murphy. Brantley singled to right and scored when Murphy doubled over Preston Tucker's head in right field.

The RBI was the 56^th by Murphy in his career at Progressive Field.

What it means

The Indians (39-44) ended a three-game losing streak with the victory. They are 3-2 against the Astros this year.

The Astros (49-37) lost for just the third time in their last nine games. Velasquez (0-1, 3.94) entered the game with five straight no decisions in his first five big league starts this season.

Wednesday's loss ended that streak.

Velasquez allowed two runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out five and walked two.

Returning the favor

After getting robbed twice of hits by Houston outfielders Colby Rasmus and Preston Tucker, center fielder Michael Bourn returned the favor by stealing a hit from Tucker on his drive to the gap in right center to start the sixth.

Bourn's catch might have been the biggest defensive play of the game. If he doesn't make the catch, Tucker is standing on second base and could have scored on Carlos Correa's bid for a single over second base.

Rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor turned that into an out with a spinning stop and throw to first.

Instant replay

Correa was originally called safe on the play.

The Indians challenged and first base umpire Paul Nauert's call was overturned. The Tribe's challenge team of Gregg Langbehn, bench coach Brad Mills and Francona are 7-for-15 this season.

Carlos Santana finished the play with a nice pick at first.

End of the line

Jason Kipnis' 29-game home hitting streak ended Tuesday night as he took an 0-for-3 against the Astros.

The closest Kipnis came to a hit was a line drive to left in the seventh inning. He walked in the fifth.

The 29-game streak is the longest in the history of Progressive Field and the second longest home streak in franchise history. Hal Trosky had a 31-game home hitting streak from May 26 through Aug. 2 in 1936.

Thanks for coming

The Indians and Astros drew 10,821 to Progressive Field on Tuesday night. Season attendance is 669,960.

What happens next?

RHP Trevor Bauer (7-5, 3.88) will face Houston right-hander Dan Straily (0-0, 7.71) on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM AM/1100 and WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the game.

Bauer, in his first start of the season, threw six hitless innings against the Astros on April 9 at Minute Maid Park. He struck out a season-high 11 and walked five. The Indians lost the combined no-hitter when Jed Lowrie hit a one-out homer off Nick Hagadone.

Straily was promoted by the Astros on Friday to start against Boston. This will be his second start of the season. He's 0-1 in his career against the Indians, losing to them in 2013 when he pitched for Oakland.

Closer Cody Allen isn't the only Tribe reliever dealing with a balky back. The Indians placed southpaw Nick Hagadone on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Closer Cody Allen isn't the only Tribe reliever dealing with a balky back. The Indians placed southpaw Nick Hagadone on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

The transaction is retroactive to Tuesday. Hagadone tossed an inning on Sunday in Pittsburgh and again on Monday in Cleveland. To assume his spot on the roster, the club recalled lefty Kyle Crocket from Triple-A Columbus.

Allen rested his stiff back during the Indians' 2-0 win against the Astros on Tuesday. Bryan Shaw pitched the ninth and recorded the save in his place.

Hagadone owns a 4.28 ERA in 36 appearances this season. He has tallied 28 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings.

Crockett has registered 3 2/3 scoreless innings for the Indians this season. With the Clippers, he has posted a 6.33 ERA in 25 outings, having surrendered 19 earned runs on 40 hits and 11 walks in 27 frames.

Browns Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden leads the NFL in jersey sales over the past month. He shot past quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and Tom Brady.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns cornerback Joe Haden has gotten the best of Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and Tom Brady this offseason.

In jersey sales, that is.

Haden and his new Browns duds have climbed to No. 1 in jersey sales in the past month, according Dick's Sporting Goods Jersey Report.

The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback moved up 15 spots since last month, when he lagged behind behind Brady (No. 3) and Manning (No. 10).

Now, he's ahead of not only Brady (No. 8) and Manning (No. 4), but Luck (No. 5) as well.

Haden isn't the only Browns defensive back currently in the top 10. Safety Donte Whitner also shot up an astounding 72 spots from 82 to No. 10 this month. In fact, the two are the only defensive players in the top 10.

It's likely a testament to the popularity of the new Browns jerseys, which were unveiled April 14th to rave reviews.

It also marks the second straight year that a Browns player has topped the NFL in jersey sales. Last year at this time, rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel was leading the pack.

Top Selling NFL Jerseys since the Draft pic.twitter.com/DAeX2Bqsbj

-- NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) July 7, 2015

Cleveland Browns unveiled new uniforms this week, inspired by the city and its ethos http://t.co/qYulCAd3KO pic.twitter.com/hvd003va8S

-- Nikeblog.com (@nikeblog) April 19, 2015

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. bags six wins Monday in a bid to catch national leader Aaron Merriman.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Ronnie Wrenn Jr. isn't going to let his good friend Aaron Merriman waltz off with this year's North American dash championship, a crown Wrenn has worn the past two years.

On Monday night, Wrenn made six trips to the Northfield Park winner's circle. He drove the winners of the night's first three races: Hot Stuff ($9) Scootinfordamoney ($5.40) and Dream Crazed ($3.40). He added War Cry Hall ($7) in race 10, JM's Dukeofdelight ($11.80) in the 13^th race and closed the 15-race card by scoring with Activator ($2.80).

Wrenn and Merriman are regulars at Northfield. The reinsmen finished 1-2 last year in the national standings after Wrenn pulled off a late rally in the final days of the season.

Merriman does a lot of racing away from Northfield Park. He's a mainstay at The Meadows Racetrack in Washington, Pennsylvania. Merriman regularly races at both the Meadows and Northfield with day-night doubleheaders.

Wrenn enjoys the close confines of Northfield, where he leads the driving standings this year with 319 wins. Merriman is second with 271, and leads Wrenn in the national standings, 438-417. Completing the top five on the Northfield drivers' list are Jason Merriman (138), Ryan Stahl (106) and Kurt Sugg (91).

Good company: Wrenn is among a very small group of reinsman to win 700 races or more in back-to-back years. The others are Jack Moiseyev, who won Friday's $170,000 Cleveland Trotting Classic with Daylon Magician, Northfield legend Walter Case Jr., Tim Tetrick, Tony Morgan, Dave Palone, Herve Filion and Mike Lachance.

Moiseyev's grand return: Canadian driving star Moiseyev is two-for-two at Northfield.

The veteran driver won the Cleveland Classic here in 1991 with three-year-old Precious Bunny, but hadn't been back until Friday night's trotting classic. He scored a major upset with Daylon Magician ($19.80), catching favored Obrigado by a head at the wire.

The victory in 1:53.2 set the track record for older trotting horses and matched Northfield's all-age trotting mark.

Youngster scores in Ohio: Logan Powell, 17, of Felton, Delaware, has had surprising success as a driver on the Ohio Fair Circuit, winning 11 of 19 races over two summers. The high school senior is working for noted East Coast trainer Clarence Faulk.

Powell has four wins in six outings this summer after taking seven of 13 starts a year ago. His kicked off this summer's racing season with A Lucky Feeling on June 21 at the Circleville Fair, a 31/2-length victory.

"I like that it's a team effort," Powell told the U.S. Trotting Association. "You have to work with the horse. He can't do it all. You have to help him. I can't do it all. He has to help me."

ThistleDown leaders: Jeff Radosovich continues to top the trainer's standings at ThistleDown Racino, with 24 victories. Nabu Morales is second with 21 wins, followed by Miguel Feliciano (16). Luis Antonio Gonzalez notched his 3,000^th career win this week, and leads the jockeys with 30 victories. Ricardo Feliciano (27) is second, followed by Walter De La Cruz (23).

The Loooch Racing Stable of Stow has sent out the most winners, with 14 this meeting. The Pyrite Stable and Morlona Racing both have 12 wins. The winningest horse is Alliseeisgold, four-for-four after capturing the $75,000 Daniel Stearns Memorial/Cleveland Gold Cup on Saturday.

Coming up: ThistleDown Racino is sending out the $75,000 George Lewis Memorial on Saturday, July 18, honoring the long-time handicapper and race writer for The Plain Dealer. Northfield Park will host talented three-year-old trotters and pacers in Ohio Sires Stakes action on July 17.

Racino towns get cash: State budget legislation has given Ohio's seven racino communities two annual payments of $500,000. It's not the six annual payments sought by Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, a Youngstown Democrat, but she said the funds would "help Austintown pay for the increased public safety and infrastructure costs related to the racino (at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course)."

Stripping Floyd Mayweather of the WBO title is no big deal.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland native Willie Nelson (23-2-1) will fight rising middleweight star Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) of Detroit in a 10-round bout as the co-main event on ESPN at 9 p.m. Saturday from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida.

Welterweights Keith Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) and Luis Collazo (36-3, 19 KOs) will face off in the second fight in the Premier Boxing Champions series.

The fight between Nelson and Harrison is not only a battle between Ohio and Michigan but it's survival for Nelson. Another loss could mean a career as a measuring stick for other up-and-coming fighters. A loss by Harrison could mean he is all hype.

"This fight is very important because not only is it another challenge but it's up against an up-and-coming fighter who's coming to fight," Nelson said to The Plain Dealer. "It's make or break for me. I have to show if I'm really a top level fighter."

Harrison is at least considered to be one of the next top fighters and his 10-fight knockout streak is a testament to his potential. But Nelson welcomes the challenge and he hopes Harrison believes in his own hype on Saturday.

"He's never been in the ring with a real fighter like me," Nelson said. "He better not see me as tune-up but as a real test. He figures he'll come in and dominate hoping I'll tremble under the pressure. But that's not me. That's not how we [react] where I'm from."
 

Mayweather and title

Floyd Mayweather lost a title when the WBO stripped him of his welterweight world title on Monday because he did not comply with the WBO's rules.

Mayweather won the WBO title when he defeated Manny Pacquiao in May. Mayweather holds four other titles with the WBA and the WBC. A WBO title does not have any bearing on Mayweather's career or his ability to generate financial blockbusters.  

Showtime boxing

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-2-1, 32 KOs) vs. Marcos "Dorado" Reyes (33-2, 24 KOs) at 10 p.m. July 18.

This is Chavez's first fight since April of last year when he lost to Andrzej Fonfara. Chavez failed in his attempt to move up in weight. Chavez achieved success at middleweight but has been scrapping at super middleweight and beyond since abandoning the 160-pound division after a loss to Sergio Martinez in September 2012.

Reyes, an eight-year-pro, says he's the next fighter who will defeat Chavez.

"I'm the one who's going to take advantage of my opportunity of a lifetime," Reyes said via press release. "I'm the one who'll show everybody that I'm a better fighter than him. I want to beat Chavez so I can fight with the best."
   
In the co-feature, unbeaten fighters McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8 KOs) of Puerto Rico and Arthur Villanueva (27-0, 12 KOs) of the Philippines will clash in a 12-rounder for the vacant IBF Super Flyweight World title.
 
About time
Boxing legend Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion, may finally receive justice.

U.S. Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona) and Harry Reid (D-Nevada) filed as an amendment to the Every Child Achieves Act (ECAA) their resolution urging President Obama to posthumously pardon Johnson for his unjust conviction under the Mann Act in 1913, a law that prohibited transporting women across state lines for "immoral purposes."  

Reid said in a press release: "Johnson was a true champion whose name was tarnished by an unjust and racially motivated criminal conviction. Now is the time to restore his legacy. Jack Johnson deserves to be remembered for his incredible career, not for the racism that unfairly sent him to prison. I am glad to work with my friend Senator McCain to pardon Johnson, right a historical wrong and repair the legacy of this great man."

On this date in boxing history
In 1988, Donald Curry won the WBC super-welterweight title with a 9th-round knockout victory over Gianfranco Rosi in Italy. Curry knocked Rosi down five times. Rosi quit on his stool after the ninth round.

The cap-strapped Cleveland Cavaliers have very little money remaining to spend on free agents. That means their best chance of adding to a talented roster that got within two wins of an NBA championship is using Brendan Haywood in an off-season trade.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The cap-strapped Cleveland Cavaliers have very little money remaining to spend in free agency so their best opportunity to add to a talented roster that got within two wins of an NBA championship is using Brendan Haywood in an off-season trade.

It's rare for a player who averaged a meager 1.6 points and 1.3 rebounds in 22 games to be used as a trade chip, but Haywood's unique non-guaranteed contract worth $10.5 million makes him extremely valuable, especially for a team looking to free up cap space.

Following the Cavaliers' end-of-season press conference, General Manager David Griffin spoke about his off-season plan, using words such as "versatility" and "playmaker" when asked about his summer targets.

With Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov back, Tristan Thompson likely to re-sign and Anderson Varejao returning from an Achilles injury, the Cavs' frontcourt appears to be set. But Haywood as the primary trade chip allows the Cavs to address their lack of depth on the wing behind LeBron James.

Shawn Marion is retiring, Mike Miller fell out of the rotation because of ineffectiveness, James Jones is a free agent and J.R. Smith's future with the Cavs is uncertain after electing not to opt in for a little more than $6 million dollars.

Here's a list of players that fit what Griffin is looking for and could possibly be targeted in a summer deal. Each of the teams mentioned could have motivation to shed salary and the trades work using ESPN.com's Trade Machine. 

Minnesota Timberwolves - Kevin Martin

Why it would work: The Cavs would get one of the most explosive and underappreciated scorers in the NBA, someone capable of taking pressure off Cleveland's talented Big Three.

At 6-foot-7, Martin has the size and versatility to play and defend multiple positions. The 32-year-old wing averaged 20.0 points on 42 percent shooting, showing he still has the talent to be a go-to option offensively. His catch-and-shoot percentage was 39.8 last season, equal to Kevin Durant and Mo Williams and higher than James Harden, Chandler Parsons and Wesley Matthews, among others. It's a stat that shows Martin possesses the necessary skills to play without the ball, something that's a must with James, Kyrie Irving and Love. 

Why it wouldn't work: On a team of youngsters, it's important to have some veteran presence, players who can serve as mentor and stabilizer. If Martin leaves, the Timberwolves will be left with a bunch of inexperienced players alongside Ricky Rubio, who has never lived up to expectations, and Kevin Garnett, who is entering his 21st season.

Minnesota may decide Martin has more value than being a part of shedding salary, especially considering he is set to make just $7.0 million this season and has a player option for $7.3 million next year.

Los Angeles Clippers - Jamal Crawford

(Note: The Clippers would have to perform some cap gymnastics to make a deal work, likely getting a third team involved)

Why it would work: The Clippers are desperate. They are already trying to change DeAndre Jordan's mind about leaving for Dallas and have very little cap space to make any moves if Jordan keeps his word. Trading the 35-year-old Crawford for Haywood's contract would allow the Clippers to flip Haywood for another asset or two.

With Lance Stephenson and J.J. Redick on the roster, a Crawford trade may be Los Angeles' only option to add depth to a now-depleted roster.  

For the Cavs, Crawford is essentially J.R. Smith without the crazy. The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year in 2014 can light up the scoreboard and catch fire beyond the arc. With a career average of 15.6 points, Crawford can score off the dribble, be the primary offensive playmaker, but is also comfortable playing off the ball where he made 40 percent of his catch-and-shoot attempts.

Why it wouldn't work: He's 35 years old and the Cavs, after being unable to rely on an old and broken-down bench last season, were hoping to target ascending players between the age of 26 and 30. The Clippers, meanwhile, would remain a title contender if Jordan reneges on his agreement with Dallas. They would then want to keep as many talented players as possible and Crawford plays an important role in the quest for a title. 

Houston Rockets - Trevor Ariza and Nick Johnson

(Note: A straight-up deal for Ariza won't work, so Johnson, an expendable point guard after the return of Patrick Beverley, becomes the piece to make the salary match)

Why it would work: If the Cavs could create the ideal player to add it would be Ariza, who has become one of the premier "3 and D" guys in the NBA. At 6-foot-8, he's willing to take on the challenge of the best opposing scorer and can defend every position but center, depending on the matchup.

An NBA champion, Ariza helped the Wizards take the next step in their development two years ago before becoming Chandler Parsons' replacement in Houston last off-season. Ariza made 194 three-pointers (seventh-most in the NBA) while playing well alongside ball-dominant Harden in Houston. 

Why it wouldn't work: This kind of move would've made more sense at the beginning of free agency when the Rockets were trying to clear cap space to take a run at some of the bigger prizes. At this point, with the free agent pool drying up, the Rockets will most likely keep their 30-year-old starting small forward and try to retain their spot near the top of the West.

Of all the deals, this is the least likely. 

Brooklyn Nets - Joe Johnson

(Note: Haywood for Johnson wouldn't work in a straight-up deal because of his lofty $24.8 million contract. Any deal would likely have to include Varejao to make salary work)

Why it would work: The Nets are in salary cap misery. They are the eighth seed in the East, with little opportunity to improve. They will also have to write a massive luxury tax check and dumping Johnson would save around $50 million.

For the Cavs, they would get a veteran leader who can score inside and outside, the perfect fit for a championship contender looking for a player to take on some of the offensive burden. There are emotional ties when it comes to Varejao, a fan and LeBron-favorite, but Griffin and the Cavs can't make a decision based on that. It has to be rooted in what's best for the team.

Could the Cavs realistically do any better for Haywood's contract than a seven-time All-Star with a wealth of playoff experience who averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists last season? No.

Are the Cavs better with Varejao and Haywood or Johnson?

The Cavs didn't lose in the Finals because they were missing Varejao, a player who relies on non-stop hustle, energy and rebounding. They were crippled by injuries as James was asked to carry the offense on his broad shoulders.

Looking at the roster it's clear the Cavs need another capable scorer, playmaker and creator. Johnson checks all the boxes while also being able to hold his own on defense as well.

Why it wouldn't work: Johnson is a "one-and-done" player for the Cavs and giving up Varejao without a capable insurance policy along the frontcourt would be risky. There's plenty of time to add another cheap piece, but depth is important depth, especially with Love's injury history.

Denver Nuggets - Danilo Gallinari

Why it would work: The Nuggets are the only team to not make a move this off-season and they have no shot in the Western Conference.

Gallinari, a versatile forward and former top 10 pick, is going into the final year of his deal and the Nuggets may want to make a trade before losing him for nothing.

Injuries were a problem for Gallo, missing 23 games, but he reminded many of his unique offensive skill set down the stretch, recording two 40-point games and shooting 40 percent (52-of-130) from three-point range in the final two months of the regular season. At 26, Gallinari still has plenty of upside and would transform into a dynamic playmaker for the Cavs' second unit, a very good fit.

Why it wouldn't work: After a quiet summer, the Nuggets aren't expected to reach the luxury tax. If they do end up trading their most valuable commodity they will likely ask for more than a non-guaranteed contract. Unless the Cavs want to shake up their talented core (doubtful), they don't have a piece to sweeten the deal and entice a trade. His lack of defense could also be a hurdle considering the Cavs' defensive transformation started the rise. 

New Orleans Pelicans - Tyreke Evans

Why it would work: The Pelicans have spent a lot of money this off-season. They gave an enormous contract to franchise pillar Anthony Davis. Then, in one of the biggest head-scratchers of the summer, agreed to a five-year deal with Omer Asik worth nearly $60 million dollars. They want to bring point guard Norris Cole back, but are into the luxury tax and have little flexibility to make any other moves.

Evans, who came into the NBA as a point guard, played his best when Jrue Holiday, the team's primary ball handler was out with a stress injury in his lower right leg. But Holiday will be back and the players bring similar traits, meaning New Orleans could be willing to move one, hoping to boost the weaker areas of the roster and give Davis a supporting cast that has more upside than being the eighth seed.

Cavs GM Griffin felt the team was one playmaker short in the NBA Finals and Evans could become the go-to option for the second unit, playing a role similar to Andre Iguodala for the Warriors -- albeit not nearly as good on the defensive end.

Why it wouldn't work: New Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry comes from the Warriors, a team that used versatility to overwhelm opponents en route to a title. The 6-foot-6 Evans, who can play the one, two or three, could become Gentry's movable chess piece and matchup nightmare.

Of all the players for the Pelicans, Evans will probably benefit most from the new up-tempo style.

As for the Cavs, any player acquired will need to show comfort playing with and without the ball. Finding the right piece that can excel with the Big Three isn't an easy task. It will take the right skill set and mindset, someone willing to make a sacrifice and Evans, a terrible three-point shooter, isn't nearly as effective playing off the ball.

Toronto Raptors - Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson

(Note: Ross is set to make $3.5 million in 2015-16 so Patterson, an undersized power forward, makes the deal work) 

Why it would work: There were rumblings prior to free agency about Toronto's desire to shed salary in anticipation of having to open the vault for star player DeMar DeRozan. He's the centerpiece of the franchise and the Raptors would be silly to not have him at the heart of their future plans.

Then came an agreement with small forward DeMarre Carroll, who received a four-year, $60 million contract and will occupy Ross' starting spot.

Therefore, the Raptors could be willing to part with the No. 8 pick in 2012 while also offering Patterson and the $12 million he's owed the next two years. Ross was expected to take a step forward this season, his third in the NBA, but instead regressed, averaging 9.8 points on 41 percent from the field, including 37 percent from beyond the arc. Following an early postseason exit, Ross voiced his frustration and a change of scenery might help him reach his potential.

Why it wouldn't work: The Cavs can and should be able to do better than Ross, who has yet to show the promise of a top 10 pick. With championship aspirations, it would be smart for the Cavs to target a more proven commodity.

The Raptors may also balk at the offer. Even though Toronto may be frustrated with Ross, he's still only 24 and they may not yet be ready to give up on him. Patterson could also lead to some pause after he played 81 games and averaged 26.6 minutes last season. His ability to knock down three-pointers helps stretch the defense, creating much-needed driving lanes for DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. With Amir Johnson bolting in free agency and Tyler Hansbrough's status still undecided, Patterson could be the Opening Night starter.  

Los Angeles Lakers - Nick Young, Ryan Kelly and Robert Sacre

(Note: Young's $5.2 million contract won't be enough so Kelly and Sacre are the most likely players the Lakers would include)

Why it would work: The Lakers need more money so they can keep whiffing on big-name free agents.

Also, with Lou Williams, the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year, reportedly in the mix, Swaggy P is now on borrowed time. There's only one basketball for Young, Williams and Kobe Bryant, who have an affinity for hoisting shots. 

The Cavs would get another explosive scorer off the bench, someone with supreme confidence who never shies away from big moments. He can also help space the floor and knock down three-pointers (career 37 percent shooter). The other players, throw-ins to make the salary match, would provide depth for a team that is relegated to finding players on the cheap given its salary situation.

Why it wouldn't work: Young's reputation is well documented and he's just not worth the headache.

The Cavs are trying to build a team-first culture and a player with the propensity for taking horrible shots and making head-scratching decisions doesn't fit. 

Phoenix Suns - Markieff Morris

Why it would work: Phoenix dealt away his twin brother already and is reportedly considering doing the same with Markieff. While he averaged 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his first full year in the starting lineup, there were also issues.

Morris had the second-most technical fouls in the NBA with 15, he called out Suns fans, was charged with felony aggravated assault in April and reportedly didn't get along well with head coach Jeff Hornacek.

The better of the twins would give the Cavs another stretch forward, someone capable of replicating Love's skill set in case the talented, but oft-injured power forward is out of the lineup once again. Adding another power forward also provides depth up front in case the Cavs were compelled to move Varejao and his albatross of a salary. 

Why it wouldn't work: Adding to an already-talented and deep frontcourt isn't the best use of a very attractive trade asset. The Cavs need to turn their attention to perimeter playmakers.

Charlotte Hornets - Marvin Williams

Why it would work: Whether the salary cap stays at $67 million or rises to $69 million, the Hornets appear on their way to being a tax team after trading for Nicolas Batum.

With Batum, Cody Zeller, Spencer Hawes and former No. 2 overall pick Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, the Hornets appear to have a glut of players to keep Williams from getting consistent minutes at either power forward in a small-ball lineup or small forward.

Williams, the No. 2 selection in 2005, hasn't averaged double figures since leaving Atlanta following the 2012 season. He averaged 7.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 26.1 minutes and Charlotte would have to ask whether that kind of player is worth the $7 million he is set to make in 2015-16 and the luxury tax bill. Perhaps salary relief is the better option.

For the Cavs, Williams would give the team a versatile player, capable of playing both forward spots while being able to score inside and outside. At 6-foot-9, Williams has the length, athleticism and enough scoring punch to crack Cavs head coach David Blatt's thin rotation and possibly become James' primary backup.

Why it wouldn't work: With other teams interested, it would seem likely Cleveland could find a better option than Williams, whose best basketball was left in Chapel Hill. They need a more capable scorer, someone who can create offense with any of the Big Three on the bench. 

Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Wednesday's affair between the Indians and the Astros.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are the lineups and the pitching matchup for Wednesday's affair between the Indians and the Astros.

Pitching matchup: Trevor Bauer (7-5, 3.88 ERA) vs. Dan Straily (0-0, 7.71 ERA)

Lineups

Indians

1. 2B Jason Kipnis

2. SS Francisco Lindor

3. LF Michael Brantley

4. DH David Murphy

5. 1B Carlos Santana

6. C Yan Gomes

7. RF Brandon Moss

8. 3B Giovanny Urshela

9. CF Michael Bourn

Astros

1. 2B Jose Altuve

2. RF Preston Tucker

3. SS Carlos Correa

4. DH Evan Gattis

5. LF Colby Rasmus

6. 1B Chris Carter

7. 3B Marwin Gonzalez

8. C Jason Castro

9. CF Jake Marisnick

Mayden, who has liked the Buckeyes for a long time, said he will announce his choice Thursday or Friday. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jared Mayden has planned since at least January to announce his college choice at The Opening, the elite recruiting camp held in Oregon each July.

That's what the four-star cornerback told Northeast Ohio Media group during an interview at his Texas high school six months ago.

The Opening is here. And Mayden could soon be a Buckeye.

Good first day here at The Opening [?] [?] [?] pic.twitter.com/gG3DOELq7B

-- Jared Mayden II (@MaydenII) July 8, 2015

Ranked as the No. 134 prospect in the Class of 2016 by 247sports.com, and the No. 11 cornerback recruit, Mayden dropped some big numbers in physical testing at The Opening on Wednesday, including a 4.47 40 time. Out of Sachse High School in the Dallas suburbs, the 6-foot, 190-pounder also tested well in strength and agility drills.

[?] [?] [?] [?] [?] pic.twitter.com/L6CMn2qnW4

-- Jared Mayden II (@MaydenII) July 8, 2015

On Thursday or Friday, he could make bigger news by announcing his college choice. He has narrowed his final seven to Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, Florida, Florida State and UCLA, and wrote on Twitter that his decision will be made soon.

Stay tuned thought the week for my commitment on the 9th or the 10th [?] #Bucks #WTD #Noles #Bama #8clap #Gators #Wolverines

-- Jared Mayden II (@MaydenII) July 7, 2015

He previously told NEOMG he wasn't that interested in the SEC.

"I don't see myself going to the SEC," he said in January. "It's not what conference I want to play in. I want to be in a difference conference.

"People think it's SEC and everyone else, but obviously SEC isn't that higher echelon because it was Big Ten vs. Pac 12 in the national championship."

Mayden's Twitter account (@MaydenII) of late has been filled with a bevy of retweets linking him primarily Oregon or Ohio State. He has retweeted messages from others about potentially announcing good news for the Buckeyes on Urban Meyer's birthday on Friday and of it being a good sign that he was talking with Oregon pledge Dillon Mitchell at The Opening.

More recruiting analysts at 247sports.com have predicted he'll be a Duck than have have predicted he'll be a Buckeye.

On an unofficial visit to Ohio State, Mayden stayed with Dontre Wilson, another speedster who chose to leave the Dallas area to play in Columbus. But remember that Wilson committed to Oregon first, then changed his mind after Ducks coach Chip Kelly left.

The Buckeyes beat Oregon for the National Championship in Dallas. Now the Buckeyes are trying to beat Oregon, at a camp in Oregon, for one of the top players from Dallas.

There has been plenty of conversation this off-season about long-time NBA big man Brendan Haywood. Given his lack of playing time with the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season and thanks to his non-guaranteed contract, which makes him a valuable trade target, his future is up in the air.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There has been plenty of conversation this off-season about long-time NBA big man Brendan Haywood. Given his lack of playing time with the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season and thanks to his non-guaranteed contract which makes him a valuable trade target, his future is up in the air.

Haywood sits down with CineSport's Noah Coslov to talk about what may be next in his career, whether he has heard the trade rumors and how much he thinks he can still contribute. 

Get live updates and chat with Indians beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes as the Indians and Astros continue their four-game set at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND -- Get live updates and chat with Indians beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes as the Indians and Astros continue their four-game set at Progressive Field.

Game 84: Indians (39-44) vs. Astros (49-37)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET at Progressive Field.

TV/radio: STO; WMMS FM/100.7; WTAM 1100.

Michael Brantley, dealing with a sore back, is still finding a way to be productive at the plate for the Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Left fielder Michael Brantley started the sixth inning of Tuesday's game against Houston with his fifth homer of the season. Brantley, at this time last year, had already hit 12 homers on his way to a career-high 20.

Brantley's drop in power can be traced to a back problem that has bothered him since the start of spring training. While his homers are down, Brantley has done a good job staying on the field and being one of the few consistent hitters in manager Terry Francona's lineup.

He played in his 75^th game of the season Wednesday night; hitting .293 (84-for-287) with 23 doubles, five homers and 43 RBI. He leads the Indians with a .351 (27-for-77) average with runners in scoring position.

Last year Brantley was hitting .325 (93-for-286) with 19 doubles, 12 homers and 51 RBI after almost the same amount of at-bats. He went to the All-Star game and finished the year hitting .376 (56-for-149) with runners in scoring position.

"We have a great medical staff that stays on me and I stay on myself to make sure I'm out there each and every day," said Brantley. "I love playing baseball and being out there with my teammates.

"I don't want to miss any more games. The more I'm out there, the happier I am."

Brantley gets treatment before every game.

"It's very important to make sure I stay on top of it," said Brantley. "When you're playing every day, there are times you want to get lazy and not do your rehab or get hot enough (loose) before going into the cage to hit.

"Our medical staff has a great plan each and every day I come to the field. We sit down and talk about it and then we execute it. We're doing a great job of it."

Brantley went 3-for-4 in Tuesday's 2-0 victory. He scored the Tribe's first run and homered for the second.

Bullpen shuffle: The Indians switched lefty relievers before Wednesday's game with Nick Hagadone going on the disabled list with a sore lower back and Kyle Crockett getting recalled from Class AAA Columbus.

Hagadone felt tightness in his back Monday when he warmed up several times as Carlos Carrasco trudged through four innings against Houston before being relieved.

"It's something we felt we should take care of now, especially with the All-Star break coming up," said Hagadone. "It's only a couple of weeks and if we take care of it now I should be good to go when that time is up."

Hagadone is 0-1 with a 4.28 ERA in 36 appearances. He's struck out 28, walked 12 and allowed 13 earned runs in 27 1/3 innings. Right-handers are hitting .281 (16-for-56).

This is Crockett's third tour with the Tribe this season. He's 2-1 with a 6.33 ERA in 25 appearances at Columbus. He has not allowed a run in five relief appearances with the Tribe.

Rotation shuffle: Houston right-hander Vince Velasquez, who pitched well in a losing effort on Tuesday, was optioned to Class AA Corpus Christi after the game. Left-hander Brett Oberholtzer will be recalled from Class AAA Fresno and start against the Indians on Thursday night.

Right-hander Collin McHugh, originally scheduled to start Thursday, will start Friday against Tampa Bay.

Oberholtzer will face rookie right-hander Cody Anderson, who is 1-1 with a 0.76 ERA in his first three big-league starts. Anderson is the first pitcher to work at least 7 2/3 innings in his first three starts in the big leagues since Pittsburgh's Tim Wakefield in 1992.

Anderson is the first Indians starter to pitch seven-plus innings in his first three starts, while allowing one or fewer runs, since at least 1914.

Oberholtzer made his big-league debut against the Indians on April 21, 2013.

Testing, testing: Bench coach Brad Mills put Nick Swisher through a tough workout in right field on Wednesday afternoon.

"Swish worked really hard and was moving around well," said Francona. "He was sliding after balls."

Swisher is scheduled to repeat the drill Friday. He'll take breaks between the drill to simulate innings to see how his knees respond. Still, there is no timetable on when he'll go on a rehab assignment, but it certainly won't be until after the All-Star break.

"We want to get him back to where he's the best he can be," said Francona. "I don't know if anyone knows what that is, including Swish."

Swisher has played only 30 games for the Tribe since undergoing surgery on his knees on Aug. 20.

Finally: Indians starting pitchers lead the big leagues with 518 strikeouts. ... Houston's Luis Valbuena, with 19 homers, missed his third straight start because of a bruised big toe on his left foot. Valbuena played parts of three seasons for the Indians. ... Shortstop Luke Wakamatsu, the Tribe's 20th pick in the June draft, was at Progressive Field taking his physical on Wednesday. He is the son of Kansas City bench coach Don Wakamatsu.

The newly-agreed Cavaliers guard Mo Williams reveals how happy he is to be back in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Newly-agreed Cavaliers' point guard Mo Williams took to The Players' Tribune on Tuesday to reflect, give thanks and to reveal the happy state he's in now that he's coming "full circle."

His second tour of duty in Cleveland places him in a perfect situation and role to compete for a championship, something he hasn't come close to since departing the Cavaliers four years ago.

At 32, he realizes how precious his first 2.5 years in Cleveland were, and how one should never take playing on a talented team for granted.

"As the young guys back then, we had that youthful outlook -- we thought success would last forever," he said. "The vets put it in perspective and let us know that the time is now. In the NBA, you never know when you'll get a championship opportunity again. Now that I'm in that position now, I want to bring that same urgency and perspective to the young guys. It's amazing how life comes right back around and you're in the same position again but in a different seat."

It's a very detailed and thorough account of his struggles in pursuit of suiting up for a contending team again. It's definitely worth a read.

Williams arrived in 2008 to play with a 23-year-old LeBron James. In the following years, he saw him blossom into a leader capable of getting the best out of his teammates. He discussed his admiration for James.

"Obviously LeBron is the center of the team and not much can to be said about LeBron that hasn't been said," Williams said. "But I'm in a unique position of having seen Bron grow both as his teammate and not. LeBron is the best right now -- and actually I think he was already the best player in the league when I was on the Cavs the last time. But he's just more mature now. What is amazing about him is he's the type of player who is already great but still trying to get better. That's what makes a great leader."

He wrote about his 52-point game against Indiana last year with the Minnesota Timberwolves and how it came on the most unexpected night.

"A lot of people ask me about my 52-point game this year with the Wolves, and I tell them it was more mental than physical," he recalls. "The funny thing about it is, I didn't feel like playing that game. It was one of those games -- you've been on the road for a week, you're tired, your body's tired. All my preparation was off that day: I rarely take naps but I took a nap. I always take the first bus but I ended up taking the second bus that day.

"And then I didn't even go out and warm up. I wasn't engaged in the game, so I had to figure out a way to lock in mentally so I could go out and perform. So I just sat at my locker, stretched out, got loose with the trainer and got myself into the right place. I must have found a way because when the game started ... it was just one of those games. I scored every kind of way. It got to the point where every one of my teammates was going out there ready to set a screen for me, pass the ball to me wherever I was on the court."

And at the end of his first-person account, he brought it back "full circle" to a city near and dear to his heart.

"Cleveland is home," he stated. "My family's excited to be going back, too. It's rare to get such a good chance to go for a title with such a great organization."

The NBA's record $70 million salary cap next season means raises for LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The five-year contract Kevin Love signs with the Cavaliers Thursday will cost the team about $3 million more than first thought.

The NBA set the salary cap for the 2015-16 season on Wednesday at a record-high $70 million, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday when the moratorium on free-agent signings ended.

The $70 million figure is roughly $3 million higher than what was previously estimated for the salary cap, and maximum contracts are based on percentages of the cap depending on how many years of service a player has accumulated.

In English, that means Love, who has played seven seasons and agreed in principle last week to a five-year, $110 million max contract with the Cavs, now stands to make $113.2 million over the life of the contract. His salary for next season will be $19.69 million.

Kyrie Irving, who signed a five-year extension last summer that kicked into effect on July 1, gets an increase of about $4 million - from $90 million to $94.3 million - because of the new salary cap, including a $900,000 raise next season.

Irving is recovering from knee surgery because of a broken kneecap suffered in the Finals; Love from shoulder surgery following a severe dislocation in the first round of the playoffs back in April.

LeBron James remains a free agent, but intends to re-sign with the Cavs on a one-year contract with a player's option. His salary for next season will be $22.97 million, up from an estimated $21.9 million. He's waiting to sign until the team inks Tristan Thompson -- who is represented by James' agent, Rich Paul -- to a long-term contract.

Thompson could make at least $11 million more next season than he did in 2014-15.

Early estimates for the salary cap in 2016-17 hover around $90 million, and reach $108 million the following season because of new revenues from the league's nine-year, $24 billion TV deal. That TV contract -- and subsequent exploding revenues -- are why James wants to sign short-term deals; so he can maintain contract flexibility until he can maximize his earning potential by signing a long-term extension at the right time.

The NBA also raised its luxury tax threshold to $84.7 million, up from an expected $81.6 million. Teams that go over $84.7 million have to pay a tax on every dollar over the threshold they go.

The Cavs are still going to obliterate the cap and tax threshold - they already have salary commitments for next season of about $105 million (counting James and Brendan Haywood's $10.5 million contract, which they're trying to trade for a player), with a likely huge payday still to come for Thompson and a roughly $2 million raise likely for Matthew Dellavedova.

For teams over the cap but near the threshold, an increase is good news in that they may avoid paying the tax. The Cavs are not expected to save any money in luxury taxes, according to a league source.

J.R. Smith is also still a free agent whom the Cavs are considering bringing back. He opted out of his contract for next season - worth $6.4 million - on July 1.

In addition to Love, the Cavs are also expected to announce the signings Thursday of Iman Shumpert (four years, $40 million) and Mo Williams (two years, $4.3 million).

Trevor Bauer is 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA in three career starts against Houston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Right-hander Trevor Bauer gave up two runs in eight innings and David Murphy hit a two-run double in the eighth as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Houston Astros, 4-2, Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

Quality work: The Indians (40-44) have won back-to-back games over a first-place club, and they have done so at home.

Stumbling: The AL West-leading Astros (49-38) have lost four of five.

Finding a way: The Tribe was out-hit, 6-5, and out-homered, 1-0.

Reversal of fortune: The Indians scored twice in the eighth for a 4-2 lead the inning after whiffing on a golden opportunity.

In the seventh, Carlos Santana led off with a walk and Yan Gomes was hit by a pitch. But the runners did not advance because Brandon Moss struck out swinging (albeit in a 10-pitch AB), Giovanny Urshela lined to left and Michael Bourn grounded to the pitcher.

Astros lefty Joe Thatcher took over for righty reliever Will Harris to open the eighth. Thatcher and his funky delivery struck out hitting machine Jason Kipnis swinging in four pitches.

Francisco Lindor ignited with a hustle-double to left. Colby Rasmus fielded the ball moving to his right and threw a strike to second baseman Jose Altuve, but Lindor's head-first slide beat the tag. Altuve kept the glove on Lindor, apparently wanting to nudge him off the base. Lindor stayed on the base with another body part while angrily yanking his left arm loose from Altuve.

Lindor notched his second career MLB double. His disruption had just begun.

Lindor's legit lead off second seemed to bother Thatcher, who threw four straight balls to Michael Brantley. Yes, Brantley is dangerous and the Astros could live with walking him given that first base was open. But Thatcher wanted to keep Brantley on the hook longer than that. Brantley deserves credit for a professional plate appearance; lesser hitters would have swung at at least one of the pitches. 

Lefty David Murphy was scheduled to bat. If Tribe manager Terry Francona pinch-hit with Ryan Raburn, Astros manager A.J. Hinch undoubtedly would have countered with righty Pat Neshek, who can be nasty against righties.

Francona stuck with Murphy, and it paid off in Murphy's first-pitch double off the right-field wall. Murphy dropped the barrel on what looked like a cut-piece (84 mph)  on the inner half.

It was the Indians' first hit with runners in scoring position. They finished 1-for-10. 

Murphy improved to 4-for-10 against lefties this season. The double was the first extra-base hit by a lefty against Thatcher.

Murph's up: Murphy went 2-for-4 with two doubles and is batting .333 in 73 games.

Bauer power: Bauer (8-5, 3.76 ERA) allowed six hits, walked none and struck out nine. He threw 75 of 108 pitches for strikes.

As the numbers indicate, Bauer pitched superbly. He shook off a jarring two-run homer by Evan Gattis in the first, holding the Astros to four singles the rest of the way.

Bauer's fastball was effective enough, but he made his money against the supremely aggressive Astros with off-speed and breaking stuff -- the latter at various speeds and trajectories. Curves at the shoes or in the dirt were particularly effective.

Bauer is 3-0 with a 0.90 ERA in three career starts against Houston. He has allowed two earned runs in 20 innings.

Here is the final pitch to each batter Bauer faced Wednesday (reached safely in bold):

FIRST INNING

(R) Jose Altuve -- 3-1 single to left (92 fastball over plate).

Altuve advances to second on wild pitch.

(L) Preston Tucker 2-2 swinging strikeout (84 breaking pitch over plate).

Altuve steals third.

(R) Carlos Correa -- 3-2 swinging strikeout (95 fastball up and in).

(R) Evan Gattis -- 0-1 two-run homer to left (94 fastball at letters on outer half).

Skinny: Much more credit to Bauer than blame on Bauer. Ball measured at 4 feet, 5 inches off ground when Gattis connected. ... Homer gave Houston a 121-69 lead over Cleveland in long balls.

(L) Colby Rasmus -- 3-2 called strikeout (93 fastball inside corner).

SECOND INNING

(R) Chris Carter -- 3-2 pop to center (84 breaking pitch).

(L) Marwin Gonzalez -- 2-2 pop to first (86 changeup).

(L) Jason Castro -- 1-1 grounder to first (85 off-speed).

THIRD INNING

(R) Jake Marisnick --  0-2 single to center (77 breaking pitch over plate).

Skinny: Marisnick earned the hit after two fouls in 0-2 count.

(R) Jose Altuve -- 0-2 fly to right (92 fastball away).

(L) Preston Tucker -- 0-2 single to pitcher (76 breaking pitch).

Skinny: Marisnick advanced to third.

(R) Carlos Correa -- 1-2 swinging strikeout (78 breaking pitch in dirt).

(R) Evan Gattis -- 0-2 swinging strikeout (breaking pitch in dirt).

Skinny: Catcher Yan Gomes blocked pitch and tagged Marisnick attempting to score.

FOURTH INNING

(L) Colby Rasmus -- 0-1 pop to left (84 off-speed inner half).

Skinny: Michael Brantley made diving catch.

(R) Chris Carter -- 2-2 swinging strikeout (77 breaking pitch).

(L) Marwin Gonzalez -- 2-1 single to left-center (85 off-speed).

(L) Jason Castro -- 0-0 fly to center (93 fastball inner half).

FIFTH INNING

(R) Jake Marisnick -- 1-1 fly to left (82 breaking pitch).

Skinny: Brantley made catch on track.

(R) Jose Altuve -- 0-1 fly to left (92 fastball).

(L) Preston Tucker -- 0-0 grounder to short (84 changeup).

Skinny: Bauer retired side in six pitches.

SIXTH INNING

(R) Carlos Correa -- 1-1 grounder to short (84 off-speed).

(R) Evan Gattis -- 2-2 swinging strikeout (78 breaking pitch low).

Skinny: Once again, Gattis was not going to see a fastball anywhere close to his beard.

(L) Colby Rasmus -- 0-1 liner to right (84 changeup).

Skinny: Bauer retired side in 11 pitches.

SEVENTH INNING

(R) Chris Carter -- 0-0 foul pop to catcher (breaking pitch).

(L) Marwin Gonzalez -- 2-2 called strikeout (80 breaking pitch outside corner).

(L) Jason Castro -- 0-0 fly to right (94 fastball).

Skinny: Bauer retired side in eight pitches.

EIGHTH INNING

(R) Jake Marisnick -- 1-2 swinging strikeout (79 breaking pitch in dirt).

(R) Jose Altuve -- 1-0 liner to left (84 off-speed).

(L) Preston Tucker -- 2-1 single to right (85 breaking pitch).

(Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway visits mound.)

(R) Carlos Correa -- 1-1 grounder to second (92 fastball).

Skinny: Correa 0-for-12 in series with one game to play.

The Northeast Ohio Media Group ranked the 50 best Big Ten football players for the 2015 season. See their photos and check out why these players made the list.

David Murphy gave the Indians a 4-2 victory over Houston with a two-run double Wednesday night in the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- David Murphy considers himself a full-time, 162-game-a-year ballplayer who rarely, if ever, faces left-handed pitchers. That's the job for his other half, Ryan Raburn.

But Wednesday night, manager Terry Francona cast Murphy against type with the game between the Indians and Houston on the line at Progressive Field.

As Francona explained later, "Sometimes you just have to stay out of the way, that's the best way I can say it . . .let your guys play."

So in the eighth inning of a 2-2 game, Francona let Murphy face lefty Joe Thatcher with Francisco Lindor on second, Michael Brantley on first and one out. Murphy, in only his 10th at-bat against a fellow lefty this season, doubled to the right field wall on the first pitch he saw to score Lindor and Brantley for a 4-2 victory.

Murphy, who faced Thatcher just once before Wednesday, is hitting .400 (4-for-10) against lefties this year. At the start of the inning, lefties were hitting .220 (9-for-41) against Thatcher.

The Astros had right-hander Pat Neshek, he of the funky motion and nasty stuff, warming in the pen waiting for Raburn. It was time for Francona to earn his salary.

"In a situation like that Tito has to make up his mind with the right-hander (Neshek) up," said Murphy. "Does he want me to face the lefty or Raburn to face the righty? He has to go with his gut right there.

"I knew there was a possibility so I was ready to hit if called upon."

Francona wasn't crazy about the Murphy-Thatcher matchup. But that's what he went with.

"Murph did what good hitters do," said Francona. "He got a pitch up, hit it really well and made everybody happy."

Murphy, after a down year in 2013 and a so-so year in 2014, is rolling in 2015. Not only did he set up the Tribe's second run of the night with a double in the fourth, he's hitting .372 (45-for-121) in his last 50 games. The Houston native is a lifetime .321 (43-for-134) hitting against the Astros.

"I was just trying to stay on the ball," said Murphy, of his game-winning hit. "The easiest thing to do against left-handed pitching is pull off, especially when you haven't see a lot of lefties. I have no chance to hit the ball hard if I don't stay on it."

After Jason Kipnis struck out to start the inning, Lindor pulled a broken-bat double to left followed by Brantley's walk.

Murphy said his heart rate was up when he walked to the plate, but one thought calmed him.

"You've got a chance to do something big in the game and at the end of the day it's just, 'be a baseball player.'" said Murphy.

So he forgot about his splits against lefties and righties. Murphy, for the record, is hitting .400 (4-for-10) against lefties and .329 (54-for-164) against righties.

He didn't care about not knowing if he was going to play left field, right field or DH until he got to the park. As for all that talk during the winter that he was going to be the odd man out in a crowded outfield, well, the outfield has thinned and Murphy is one of the most productive players on the roster.

"I've been in the league a while, I'm getting older, but I still want to be as complete a player as possible," said Murphy. "I might not be an everyday player, but there are still moments that I can come through against a lefty or do certain things in the game that you may not see me do every day."

That's what baseball players do.

David Murphy's eighth-inning double and eight strong innings by Trevor Bauer were the difference in the Indians 4-2 win over Houston on Wednesday night. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Manager Terry Francona rode the hot bat of David Murphy to victory Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

Murphy's two-run double in the eighth inning gave the Indians a 4-2 victory over AL West-leading Houston. The Indians lead the four-game series, 2-1.

Houston had lefty Joe Thatcher on the mound in the eighth, but Francisco Lindor doubled and Michael Brantley walked with one out and the score tied, 2-2. Francona usually pinch-hits Ryan Raburn for Murphy against lefties, but this time he let Murphy hit.

"Sometimes you just have to stay out of the way," said Francona after the game.

Murphy drilled a double off the wall in right field. It was Murphy's second double of the night. He came into the game hitting .373 (44-for-118) since May 9.

In reality, Francona liked the Murphy vs. Thatcher matchup better than the Raburn vs. Pat Neshek matchup. Neshek was warming in the Houston bullpen.

Murphy's double made a winner of Trevor Bauer (8-5, 3.76). Cody Allen pitched the ninth for his 17th save.

Bauer struck out nine and retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced. He's 2-0 against the Astros this year with 20 strikeouts in 14 innings.   

The Indians, down 2-0 after the top of the first, quickly worked their way back into the game. Jason Kipnis opened the bottom of the first with a triple that skipped past left fielder Colby Rasmus after taking a wicked bounce off the grandstand. Kipnis made it 2-1 as he scored on Lindor's grounder to second.

The Indians tied the score in the fourth on Carlos Santana's RBI grounder to first. It seemed appropriate because it was Carlos Santana bobblehead night at the ballpark. Brantley opened with a single. He went to third on Murphy's 11^th double of the season.

The Indians had a great chance to take the lead, but following a first-half theme of not hitting in the clutch, they fell flat on their face. Yan Gomes, with the infield pulled in and Murphy on third, grounded out to short. Houston starter Dan Straily ended the inning by striking out Brandon Moss.

It happened again in the seventh when Santana walked and Straily hit Gomes with a pitch. Right-hander Will Harris relieved and struck out Moss, retired Giovanny Urshela on a nice catch by Rasmus in left field and put Michael Bourn away on a bouncer back to the mound.

The Indians came into the game ranked 13^th in the AL with a .231 (153-for-253) average with runners in scoring position.

Houston took a 2-0 lead in the first on Evan Gattis' two-run homer off Bauer. The homer came with two out and Bauer ahead in the count 0-1. Gattis parked a head-high fastball on the home run plaza above the left field wall for his 15^th homer, scoring Jose Altuve, who had singled.

What it means

The Indians (40-44) improved to 17-24 at home and 11-8 against the AL West this season. They lead the Astros, 4-2, this year.

The victory marked just the second time this season that the Indians have won consecutive games at home.

Houston (49-38) has lost four of its last five. They are 8-11 against the AL Central.

4 x 100

When Bauer struck out Gattis in the sixth inning, it gave the Indians four pitchers with 100 or more strikeouts. It's the first time in history, according to STATS, that a team has done that before the All-Star break.

Danny Salazar (108), Carlos Carrasco (115) and Corey Kluber (148) are the three others Indians with more than 100 strikeouts.

Strategy

Astros manager A.J. Hinch brought in Harris, a right-hander, in the seventh with two on and no one out to face two lefties in Moss and Bourn and a right-hander in Urshela.

Harris retired the side in order and a look at his numbers tells you why. Lefties were hitting .098 (6-for-61) and righties .145 (10-for-69) against Harris.

What happens next?

Indians rookie right-hander Cody Anderson (1-1, 0.76) will face Houston's lefty Brett Oberholtzer (2-1, 4.32) at 7:10 p.m. Thursday. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM-1100 and WMMS FM/100.7 will carry the game.

Anderson, in his first three starts, has allowed two earned runs in 23 2/3 innings. He's struck out 10, walked one and allowed 14 hits. The opposition is hitting .171.

The Astros recalled Oberholtzer from Class AAA for his eighth start of the season. He is 2-1 with a 4.32 ERA. The lefty has been on the disabled list twice because of a blister on his left index finger.

The three-star recruit became the 17th pledge to Ohio State's Class of 2016.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State added a cornerback recruit on Thursday, but not the one whose announcement everyone was waiting for.

Wayne Davis, a three-star corner from Virginia ranked as the No. 320 overall recruit in the Class of 2016 by the 247sports.com composite ratings, announced his pledge to the Buckeyes on Twitter on Thursday afternoon.

Going into the day, four-star Texas corner Jared Mayden had commanded attention with his plan to announce his college choice at The Opening, with Ohio State and Oregon looking like the most likely choices.

Ohio State responded on Twitter in the typical vague, but excited, fashion to the Davis news.

B[?] [?] [?] [?] [?] MMMMMM!!!!!!!

-- Mark Pantoni (@markpantoni) July 9, 2015

It's not the 4th of July but I'm hearing fireworks! BOOM!BOOM!BOOM!

-- Kerry Coombs (@OsuCoachCoombs) July 9, 2015

Davis is the 17th verbal commitment to Ohio State's Class of 2016. He's from the same high school, Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, as current OSU defensive end Jalyn Holmes. The pledge is a good win for the Buckeyes in the competitive Virginia recruiting area, where Zach Smith has made inroads.

The Pipeline to #TheProgram B[?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] M

-- Zach Smith #Zone6 (@CoachZachSmith) July 9, 2015

Davis is a 5-foot-11, 187-pounder who also had offers from Virginia Tech, Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Tennessee, Nebraska, Michigan, Georgia, Clemson and Auburn, among others.

Blessed and Excited to say Im Offically Commited to The [?] [?]hio State Buckeyes [?] [?][?][?] #Gobuckeyes #VatoOSU pic.twitter.com/GQoBNzsZ28

The Cleveland Cavaliers have re-signed shooting guard Iman Shumpert, the team announced Thursday afternoon.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have re-signed shooting guard Iman Shumpert, the team announced Thursday afternoon. 

"Iman is a versatile, two-way player who embodies much of the grit, determination and defense-first mentality our group became identified by," Cavaliers GM David Griffin said in the team's press release announcing the deal.

Terms of the contract were not revealed per league and team policy, but earlier reports indicated Shumpert had agreed to a four-year deal worth $40 million. The final year of the contract includes a player option. 

Shumpert, a feisty defender who arrived in a three-team trade from the New York Knicks on Jan. 5, averaged 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 38 regular season games. His role grew in the playoffs, starting 16 of the 20 contests while playing through injury. 

"He is evolving as a playmaker on both ends and his impact on our group was enormous throughout our Finals run," Griffin said.

The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 9.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 34.8 minutes per game during the Finals, which ended with the Warriors winning the series, 4-2.

Shortly after the Cavs announced the deal, Shumpert, who is active on social media, sent out a picture of him signing his contract. 

[?] [?] .official. [?]

A photo posted by iMan Shumpert (@imanshumpertthe1st) on Jul 9, 2015 at 11:09am PDT