Los Angeles @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2015 ) LA Angels 0, Minnesota 0

The Los Angeles Angels aren’t sure how long Albert Pujols’ lengthy slump will continue, but they know what to expect from Mike Trout. The reigning American League MVP has belted four home runs in his last five games heading into the Saturday's doubleheader against the reeling Twins in Minnesota, which was necessitated after Friday's contest was rained out.

Trout belted a grand slam and a solo homer in Thursday’s 11-8 victory over the Twins as the Angels moved within two games of Houston for the second AL wild-card spot. While Trout is heating up, Pujols is hitless in his last 20 at-bats and batting .148 in 15 games this month while battling a right foot injury that has forced him to move from first base and take over as the team’s designated hitter. Minnesota, which is one game behind Houston and tied in the loss column despite losing three in a row, hopes to have closer Glen Perkins back in the bullpen. Perkins has not pitched since Sept. 1 due to back spasms, but manager Paul Molitor said he should have been available for Friday’s contest.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (6-3, 3.32 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (10-10, 3.71)

Heaney is set to make his first career start against the Twins after tossing five scoreless innings versus Houston on Sunday. The 24-year-old has just one win in his last nine outings, but manager Mike Scioscia remains bullish on the rookie’s future. “He’s a guy that is going to give everything that he has,” Scioscia told reporters. “His makeup is a big reason why we’re excited about where he is now and where he’ll end up being.”

Gibson is coming off his best outing in months, allowing five hits and striking out seven in 7 2/3 scoreless innings at the Chicago White Sox. It was the second win in four turns for Gibson following a seven-start winless drought in which he managed to pitch more than six innings on only one occasion. Gibson was shelled by the Angels for six runs and 10 hits on July 21 to fall to 0-2 with a bloated 8.10 ERA against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota relievers have allowed 13 runs in 18 2/3 innings over the last three games.

2. The Angels are 60-3 when leading after seven innings.

3. Minnesota RHP Trevor May has been unavailable out of the bullpen for the last two games due to a hip injury and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Angels 4