Minnesota @ Tampa Bay preview
Tropicana Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 2, 2010 ) Minnesota 2, Tampa Bay 4
The Tampa Bay Rays finally made it back into first place in the AL East.
They'll look to right-hander Jeff Niemann to keep them there when the Rays host the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night in the second of a four-game series at Tropicana Field.
Tampa Bay snapped the eight-game winning streaks of both the Twins and pitcher Carl Pavano to post a 4-2 triumph in Monday's series opener.
A brilliant performance by Jeremy Hellickson in his major league debut, coupled with a loss by the New York Yankees, lifted the Rays into a tie with the Bronx Bombers atop the AL East.
It marked the first time Tampa Bay has been in first place in the division since June 19, thanks to a recent surge that has seen the Rays win nine of their last 10 games.
Niemann will have a tough act to follow after Hellickson quieted the Twins on two runs and three hits in seven innings. The 23-year-old right-hander was promoted Monday from Triple-A Durham, where he was leading the International League in wins (12) and strikeouts (123).
Minnesota’s depleted lineup should receive a jolt with the expected return of catcher Joe Mauer, who has sat out the last two games after receiving a cortisone shot to alleviate tendinitis in his right shoulder.
The reigning AL Most Valuable Player and batting champion, Mauer had been on a tear prior to the ailment. In his previous five games, Mauer was 12-for-19 with 10 RBIs to raise his average to .313.
Niemann (9-3) has beaten the Twins once in two career starts against them. He took a no-decision at Minnesota on July 1, allowing three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings.
The 27-year-old righty is 3-3 following a 6-0 start to the season. He was shaky last time out against Detroit, getting the win despite giving up four runs and eight hits in six innings.
Converted reliever Brian Duensing (4-1) will make his third consecutive start for the Twins following 39 appearances out of the bullpen.
Duensing got his first win as a starter this season in his last outing, working six innings and surrendering two runs on eight hits in a 6-4 victory at the Kansas City Royals.
The 27-year-old right-hander made three appearances out of the bullpen against the Rays during a four-game series in early July, allowing two hits and striking out two in 1 2/3 innings.
B.J. Upton had three hits and three stolen bases and Matt Joyce delivered a two-run double in Monday’s game for Tampa Bay, which handed Pavano his first loss since June 3.
With first baseman Carlos Pena (foot) expected to remain sidelined, the Rays shipped Hellickson back to the minors Monday night and called up infielder Dan Johnson from Durham.