CLEVELAND (AP) — Francisco Lindor drove in the go-ahead run in the fifth inning and the Indians survived another poor start by Josh Tomlin to beat Minnesota 5-4 on Tuesday, extending the Twins’ losing streak to 12 games.
Meanwhile, a person familiar with the trade says the Indians are nearing a deal to acquire outfielder Coco Crisp from the Oakland Athletics.
Lindor’s double off Alex Wimmers (0-1) snapped a 4-4 tie and helped the Indians maintain their lead over second-place Detroit in the AL Central.
Rajai Davis hit a three-run homer and Jason Kipnis added a solo shot for Cleveland, which trailed 4-1 in the second after the Twins knocked around Tomlin. Dan Otero (4-1) pitched 2 2/3 hitless innings, Bryan Shaw worked out of a jam in the seventh and Andrew Miller got five outs for his third save since joining Cleveland.
The trade for Crisp has been agreed to by both teams, said the person who spoke Tuesday night to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has to be approved by Major League Baseball.
The trade would have to be official by Wednesday for Crisp to be eligible for the postseason. The Indians entered Tuesday leading the AL Central by 4 1/2 games.
Cleveland has a need for outfield depth because left fielder Michael Brantley is out for the season following surgery and Abraham Almonte is ineligible for the playoffs following a PED suspension.
The 36-year-old Crisp is batting .234 with 11 homers and 47 RBIs in 102 games this season. He previously played in Cleveland from 2002-05.