(Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians begin the post CC Sabathia era tonight with the opener of a quick two-game set with the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

Having lost a season-high eight games in a row and 32 of their last 47 games, the Indians apparently decided to start looking towards 2009 on Monday, when they sent Sabathia to the Brewers. Sabathia, a 19-game winner a year ago, was dealt for a package that includes the Brewers top prospect, left fielder Matt LaPorta, and pitchers Zach Jackson and Rob Bryson, along with a player to be named later.

Sabathia, who can become a free agent at season's end, had a record of 6-8 with a 3.83 earned run average this season, but was 6-5 with a 2.16 ERA since April 22. However, the club couldn't match his personal success, as it has dipped 14 games off the pace in the American League Central after last leading the division on May 16.

However, the Indians have been unable to overcome their struggles and a host of injuries. Victor Martinez (elbow), Jake Westbrook (elbow), Travis Hafner (shoulder) and Fausto Carmona (hip) are all currently sidelined for Cleveland, which is on its longest losing streak since dropping nine straight back in August 15-24, 2004.

The Indians' current skid reached eight games on Sunday with a 4-3 setback to the Twins. Jhonny Peralta hit a two-run homer, while Cliff Lee (11-2) suffered the loss. Lee was named to the AL All-Star team on Sunday, as was Grady Sizemore as a reserve.

Instead of the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, the Indians sent winless lefty Jeremy Sowers to the hill tonight. Sowers is 0-4 in seven starts this year, going 0-3 with a 9.50 ERA on the road. He has lost each of his last three starts and gave up a season-high eight runs on six hits and two walks over three innings against the White Sox on June 30. It was Sowers' shortest outing of the season.

The 25-year-old is 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA in three career starts versus Detroit, taking a loss against them on June 8 after allowing five runs in four innings.

The Tigers enter this test having split a four-game set with Seattle to push their record to 44-44. Detroit won Sunday's finale in 15 innings, as Marcus Thames' sacrifice fly lifted his team to a 2-1 victory.

Ryan Raburn homered for the Tigers and Ivan Rodriguez had four of Detroit's eight hits. Carlos Guillen -- the Tigers lone All-Star selection -- went 0- for-6.

Like his club, Justin Verlander has been enjoying a bit of a resurgence, as he has won his last three decisions -- spanning five starts -- to improve to 5-9 with a 4.34 ERA this year. He has allowed two runs over less in each of his five outings, posting a 2.53 ERA in that span.

The right-hander defeated Seattle on Thursday, giving up just two runs on eight hits over six innings. Verlander is just 3-7 with a 6.68 ERA in 11 career starts versus the Indians, however, and has lost twice to them this year.

These two clubs have split six meetings so far this season, including a four- game set in Detroit from June 6-9.