Minnesota @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2019 ) Minnesota 5, Detroit 1

The Minnesota Twins are American League Central champs for the first time since 2010 and can now set their sights on getting ready for an ALDS matchup, likely against the New York Yankees. That preparation begins in earnest when the Twins complete a three-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon.

Behind a combined two-hitter and home runs by Eddie Rosario and Luis Arraez, Minnesota took Wednesday's contest 5-1 before watching on TV as the second-place Cleveland Indians lost in Chicago to sew up the division. The Twins will likely rest some regulars Thursday and also over the weekend in Kansas City before an expected visit to Yankee Stadium for Game 1 next Friday. They'll also spread out some innings in Thursday's series finale, with a committee approach against the struggling Tigers. Detroit (46-111) clinched the worst record in the majors and the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft with Wednesday's loss.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins TBD vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (1-12, 6.85 ERA)

Lefty Devin Smeltzer is a candidate to get the starting nod after the Twins celebrate in Motown on Wednesday night. The 24-year-old rookie hasn't pitched since last Friday, when he threw an inning of relief against Kansas City. Kohl Stewart or Lewis Thorpe could see some action as well.

Zimmermann has dropped each of his last three starts while giving up 19 runs and 26 hits over 13 2/3 innings. Opponents are hitting .310 against him, just a shade shy of his career-high of .313 in 2017, when he had a 6.08 ERA. The 33-year-old had a quality start against the Twins earlier this month, but owns a 6.47 ERA in 11 career matchups.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins RHP Sam Dyson had shoulder surgery Tuesday and could miss all of 2020.

2. Minnesota DH Nelson Cruz is 10-for-22 with three home runs and nine RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Detroit is 22-58 at home entering its season finale at Comerica Park.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Tigers 5