Cleveland @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( May 2, 2010 ) Minnesota 8, Cleveland 3
The Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians staggered into the All-Star break as if the second half of the season wouldn't matter.
A few days later, both teams are rolling as they begin a three-game series on Monday in a battle of AL Central opponents.
The Twins and Indians both lost six of eight going into the break, but their fortunes turned around quickly during the weekend. While Minnesota took three of four from the division-leading Chicago White Sox, Cleveland pulled off a four-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers.
The results left the Twins and Tigers tied for second in the division, 1 1/2 games behind the White Sox.
After losing the series opener to Chicago, Minnesota won the last three games, including a 7-6 victory on Sunday when the Twins scored four times in the ninth.
Cleveland posted a pair of one-run victories and rolled to lopsided triumphs in the other two. Sunday's 7-2 victory was highlighted by an inside-the-park home run by the slow-footed Jhonny Peralta and pitcher Jeanmar Gomez notching a win in his first major league start.
Injuries are still an issue with the Twins.
First baseman Justin Morneau is on the disabled list with a concussion. Scott Baker, who has had a sore right elbow, makes his first start since July 8. He had a cortisone shot before the All-Star break, but threw well enough in a bullpen session to be ready to take his turn in the rotation. Baker is 2-4 in his last seven starts.
Baker starts against the Indians for the second time this season. The right-hander was the losing pitcher on April 22 when he allowed six runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Travis Hafner is one of the Cleveland hitters who has had success against Baker, batting .382 (13 for 34) with four homers and seven RBIs. Infielder Andy Marte is 5-for-13, good for a .385 average, with three homers and six RBIs. Marte homered off Baker at Target Field in April.
Aaron Laffey is making his fifth start for the Indians since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus on June 25. He made 20 relief appearances before being sent to the minors on May 30 to pitch in the rotation and eventually rejoin the Indians. The left-hander is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA as a starter.
Laffey isn't overpowering and hasn't shown the ability to locate the ball well enough to be successful. Keeping runners off base has been a problem. Laffey has allowed 52 hits and walked 24 in 45 2/3 innings while striking out 25.
Laffey has made three relief appearances against the Twins this season. He has allowed two earned runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings. Laffey has made 11 career appearances, including eight starts, against Minnesota and is 4-2 with a 4.71 ERA.
The Twins have won four of six against the Indians this season.