Cleveland @ Minnesota preview
Target Field
Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2010 ) Cleveland 3, Minnesota 9
Tuesday could be a big night at Target Field.
With a magic number of two, the Minnesota Twins could clinch their second straight AL Central title if everything falls right. The Twins need to defeat the Cleveland Indians and hope the reeling Chicago White Sox drop their seventh straight against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.
An individual honor will also be on the line when manager Ron Gardenhire goes for his 800th career win.
Clinching the division won't be the only important matter which is on the minds of the Twins.
Scott Baker, a mainstay of Minnesota's staff the last several years, could be pitching for a spot in the playoff rotation when he takes the mound against the Indians on Tuesday.
Baker hasn't pitched since Sept. 2 when he was pulled after two innings from his start against the Detroit Tigers because of a sore right elbow.
Baker will be on a pitch count, but Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson will be more interested in how he's throwing than anything else. If Baker gets through Tuesday's game without issue, he could make two more starts during the regular season.
The hurler has pitched poorly in losing both of his starts to the Indians this season. He has allowed 12 earned runs and 20 hits in 10 innings.
Catcher Joe Mauer didn't play in Monday's contest after jamming his left knee on Sunday. He's listed as day-to-day.
Right fielder Jason Kubel, who has missed four games because of a sore left wrist, could return to the lineup on Tuesday.
Center fielder Denard Span led off Monday after missing three games because of a sore right shoulder. He drove in runs with a triple and a single in a 9-3 win.
Fausto Carmona is one of the few pitchers who has had the Twins' number lately. The right-hander pitched his best game of the season against Minnesota on Sept. 10 at Progressive Field. Carmona fired a three-hit shutout with seven strikeouts and one walk.
Carmona's last three starts have been outstanding. He has allowed three runs and 10 hits in 24 innings. Carmona has struck out 21 and walked seven, five of which came in a 1-0 loss at the Seattle Mariners.
The hurler lost his first two starts against the Twins. He allowed 11 earned runs and 18 hits in 13 1/3 innings.
Center fielder Michael Brantley had his 19-game hitting streak snapped after going 0-for-5 on Monday night.