Twins-Angels Series Preview
Apr 11, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) before the game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Twins (4-7), losers of five consecutive games face the slow-starting Angels (4-8) in a three game series that opens tonight at 7:10 at Target Field.
Kevin Correia faces Joe Blanton tonight in the Jackie Robinson Day opener. Correia has yet to allow a home run in 14.1 innings and has handed out just two free passes so far this season, but has also struck out just three batters over that period. He has gone at least seven innings in each of his two starts. Blanton, a rumored potential Twins free agent acquisition this past offseason, has lost his first two starts since signing with the Angels. He sports a robust 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP, and has struck out just four in 10 innings of work.
Josh Hamilton, who signed a five-year, $133 million free agent deal with the Angels in the offseason, has gotten off to a slow start, hitting .234 with 15 strikeouts. To put that in perspective, Aaron Hicks leads the American League with 20. Hamilton has a career .935 OPS against the Twins. Joe Mauer comes into tonight’s game riding a seven-game hitting streak; top prospect Oswaldo Arcia will join the Twins for the three game series while Wilkin Ramirez is on the Paternity List. All three starters the Twins are scheduled to face in this series are new to the Angels’ rotation for 2013.
Feb 19, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kevin Correia (30) poses for a portrait during photo day at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 21, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA: Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jason Vargas poses for a portrait during photo day at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Game 2 and 3 Pitching Matchups
Tuesday, 7:10:
Wednesday, 7:10: