Minnesota @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 20, 2013 ) Minnesota 6, Detroit 3

Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau is on the trade market after clearing waivers and he is looking like he could be a valuable addition to a contending team down the stretch. Morneau is coming off a four-hit game as he leads the Twins into the second of a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Morneau hit his seventh homer in August to lift Minnesota in Tuesday's opener, but the win was dimmed when teammate Joe Mauer was placed on the seven-day concussion list.

Detroit has lost six of 10 but still owns a 5 1/2-game lead over Cleveland atop the American League Central with only 37 games left to play. First baseman Prince Fielder made history on Tuesday when he clubbed his 20th homer, making him one of four players in baseball to hit 20 homers in each of the past eight seasons. One of the other players to achieve the feat is teammate Miguel Cabrera, who has a seven-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 17 of his last 18 games.

TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN (Detroit)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kevin Correia (8-9, 4.61 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (11-7, 2.50)

Correia continues to lack consistency, giving up a pair of homers and five runs (four earned) over 7 1/3 innings to take the loss his last time out against the Chicago White Sox. He has not won back-to-back starts since reeling off three straight at the end of April. Correia faced the Tigers in his season debut, giving up two runs over seven innings in a no-decision, and is 1-1 with a 3.16 ERA in four career outings against them.

Sanchez has won four straight decisions and has been brilliant since the All-Star break, posting a 4-1 record and a 1.54 ERA in six starts. He won his second straight start last time out by limiting Kansas City to one run in 7 1/3 innings. Sanchez owns a 1-2 record in six career starts versus the Twins, but he has a 2.80 ERA against them, including a one-hit, 12-strikeout complete game on May 24.

WALK-OFFS

1. Sanchez is 7-2 with a 1.98 ERA in nine home starts.

2. Twins RHP Samuel Deduno (biceps tendinitis) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday to determine if he can make Friday's scheduled start.

3. The Tigers optioned LHP Phil Coke to Triple-A Toledo after Tuesday's game and will recall LHP Jose Alvarez on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Twins 2