Opposite dugout: Streaky Tribe enters series on three-game win binge

Manager: Terry Francona (4th season)

Record: 25-20

Last 10 games: 7-3

Who to watch: SS Francisco Lindor (.318/.372/.413 with 20 RBIs), 2B Jason Kipnis (6 HR, 27 RBIs), 1B Mike Napoli (30 RBIs), DH/1B Carlos Santana (8 HR, 23 RBIs), RHP Danny Salazar (4-3, 2.32 ERA), RHP Cody Allen (11 saves)

Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (1-5 in 2015)

Pitching probables:

May 27: RHP Mike Wright vs. RHP Trevor Bauer, 7:10 p.m., MASN2
May 28: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez vs. RHP Danny Salazar, 4:10 p.m. MASN
May 29: RHP Chris Tillman vs. RHP Mike Clevinger, 1:10 p.m., MASN2

Inside the Indians:

In the bizarro world of the American League Central, the resurgent Indians are challenging the surprising White Sox for the top spot. The Tribe has been streaky of late, entering their first series of the season against the Orioles on a three-game winning streak with a series sweep over the White Sox, which followed a three-game skid and a five-game win binge. When All-Star left fielder Michael Brantley started the season on the disabled list with a torn labrum, and then went back on the shelf on May 14 with right shoulder inflammation, some feared the worst for the Indians offense. And while the overall offensive stats may not be all that impressive, the Indians have been turning substantial speed into runs and sprinkling in just enough power. Over the last 10 games, they're averaging 5.6 runs a game.

Center fielder Rajai Davis has 11 stolen bases and is doing more than filling in at the top of the order. With second baseman Jason Kipnis and shortstop Francisco Lindor hitting behind him, the top of the order has been setting the table. Kipnis has six homers and 27 RBIs, and AL Rookie of the Year runner-up Lindor is slashing .318/.372/.413 with 20 RBIs. First baseman Mike Napoli and designated hitter Carlos Santana aren't tearing the cover off the ball, with batting averages of .230 and .231, respectively, but they've combined to hit 16 homers and drive in 53 runs. Keep an eye on versatile Jose Ramirez, whose .287 average and 18 RBIs keep forcing manager Terry Francona to find ways to get him in the lineup.

Right-hander Trevor Bauer starts Friday's series opener and will be trying to end a streak of two straight losses after winning his first two decisions after rejoining the rotation on April 30. He's yielded five homers in 39 2/3 innings, meaning it's possible the power-packed Orioles will be swinging from their heels. Lifetime against the Birds, he's 0-2 with a 6.35 ERA in two starts. Righty Danny Salazar has been the Tribe's most consistent starting pitcher this season, though he's alternated wins and losses in his past four decisions. In 54 1/3 innings, Salazar has recorded 67 strikeouts. He's 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts versus Baltimore. Rookie righty Mike Clevinger draws the assignment in Sunday afternoon's finale, and is still looking for his first major league win. In two starts, he's posted an 8.71 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. At Triple-A Columbus this season, Clevinger was 5-0 with a 3.03 ERA, winning his last four starts before being recalled. This will be his first start against the Orioles.

Cleveland's 3.53 bullpen ERA ranks in the middle of the major league pack. Closer Cody Allen is 11-for-11 in save opportunities, but his 3.57 ERA was inflated by a 6.97 April, which was followed up by a May during which he's got a stingy 0.73 mark. Tigers castoff Joba Chamberlain has pitched in with a 1.93 ERA in 14 outings and Dan Otero has a 1.00 ERA in 15 appearances.