Cleveland @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 20, 2013 ) Cleveland 2, Minnesota 3

The Cleveland Indians have reportedly been in trade talks with several different teams as they try to improve their starting pitching before the trade deadline. The Minnesota Twins, who host the Indians in the finale of a three-game series Sunday, may have already exposed a bigger weakness for Cleveland. The Twins aim for the sweep after holding the Indians to a total of four runs in a pair of 3-2 victories and getting to their bullpen in each of the first two games.

Cleveland is rumored to be in the mix for Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza and Houston Astros righty Bud Norris as it attempts to make up the 1 1/2-game gap to the Detroit Tigers atop the American League Central. Bullpen issues have cropped up at times throughout the season but the offense, which went into the All-Star break fifth in the majors in runs scored, was supposed to be a strong point. Minnesota has shown off the strength of its bullpen in the series as it prepares to unload at the deadline.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Justin Masterson (10-7, 3.72 ERA) vs. Twins LH Scott Diamond (5-8, 5.32)

Masterson was on the AL All-Star roster but did not appear in Tuesday’s victory and will be pitching on 10 days’ rest Sunday. The right-hander issued five walks in his last start but limited the damage to two runs in 6 2/3 innings after getting knocked around for six runs in his previous turn. Masterson was reached for five runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings against Minnesota on May 3.

Diamond worked 3 1/3 scoreless innings in New York before a rain delay cut his July 12 start short. The Canadian had gone 1-4 with a 7.03 ERA in his six previous starts. Diamond has yet to face the Indians this season and owns a 3-1 record with a 2.34 ERA in five career starts against the division rivals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins C Joe Mauer has hit safely in eight straight games to boost his average to .323 - second in the AL. He is 8-for-32 against Masterson in his career.

2. Cleveland RHP Corey Kluber (left hip tightness) was pulled from his start after five innings on Friday.

3. Minnesota LHP Casey Thielbar (groin) is expected to miss the next few games.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 3