Indians’ Kluber back to top form vs. Reds

Kluber allowed one run in eight innings and the Cleveland Indians won their fifth straight game with a 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.

Kluber, the top pitcher in the American League last season, was 0-5 after seven starts, but has turned in three strong starts in a row and is now 2-5.

“You don’t dominate the entire league the way he did last year without being able to have some good starts coming up the next year,” said second baseman Jason Kipnis, whose RBI double in the eighth put Cleveland ahead.

Reds rookie right-hander Anthony DeSclafani evenly matched up with Kluber and allowed one run in seven innings.

Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto was scratched from Sunday’s start against the Indians because of elbow stiffness and rookie Raisel Iglesias will start in his place.

Price said he doesn’t believe Cueto’s stiffness is a serious issue, but wants to give the pitcher an extra day or two between starts.

Cueto is 3-4 with a 3.03 ERA in nine starts.

He also made the All-Star team for the first time last season when he batted .273 and led NL catchers with 25 homers and 80 RBIs.

Reds: C Devin Mesoraco (left hip impingement) will be re-examined Monday when the team returns to Cincinnati.

Reds: RHP Raisel Iglesias, a rookie from Cuba, will make his third major league start instead of RHP Johnny Cueto, who was scratched after experiencing mild stiffness in his right elbow.