Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers Series Preview
Minnesota Twins Look to Build Foundation Versus Tigers
It was just two games, but it was a start. The starting pitching was stellar for both games, the bottom of the order helped carry the team a game after the middle of the order tried slugging the Twins out of another long losing streak.
A series win…on the road, no less. And, they looked so good doing it. Against a good lineup too.
The body language in the dugout for the Twins changed, even in the loss on Friday night as the four home runs were leaving the ballpark. “We have a chance.” That was the look. It hadn’t been there in a while.
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Now, they get to face the equally struggling Detroit Tigers for three games at Comerica Park this week, though they do face the daunting task of figuring out Jordan Zimmerman in game one. Maybe, just maybe, our ace of the future can beat their current ace. It’s not out of the question, he did it on the road in Houston just two starts ago.
The Tigers swept the Twins at Target Field (in the middle of winning 6 of 7) at the end of April, wrapping up the series May 1st. Since then, Detroit has been in a tailspin, losing 11 of their last 13 games. They did salvage a win in Sunday’s finale against the Baltimore Orioles, preventing a four game sweep by the O’s, and calming the waters for one day on Tigers manager Brad Ausmus‘ future.
Monday Night Game
Jose Berrios (1-1, 6.28 ERA) vs Jordan Zimmermann (5-2, 1.50 ERA)
6:10 Comerica Park
TV: Fox Sports North
Tuesday Night Game
Phil Hughes (1-6, 6.44 ERA) vs Mike Pelfrey (0-4, 5.80 ERA)
6:10 Comerica Park
TV: Fox Sports North
Wednesday Day Game
Ricky Nolasco (1-1, 4.87 ERA) vs Justin Verlander (2-4, 4.71 ERA)
12:10 Comerica Park
TV: Fox Sports North
Detroit: The Tigers have been all Zimmermann, or out-score their opponent. In a season in which former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander has given up 7 earned runs twice in a game already, he has pitched better of late. The lack of run support, combined with a shaky bullpen, has led to a no-decision and a loss his last two times out despite a combined line (15 IP, 1 ER, 17 K, 4 BB).
Offense: The Tigers are led by the top two leaders in the American League in batting average, Victor Martinez (.352) and Nick Castellanos (.344). Martinez has found the fountain of youth after turning 37.
A year ago, battling age and injury, fans and experts thought Martinez may be on his last hurrah. He’s dispelling those thoughts as a one-year downturn, solidifying the middle of the order even as some of the other bats that were to be counted on this year have faltered.
Player to Watch: Miguel Cabrera. While his numbers are down this year, he’s always been a Twins’ killer. Against current Twins pitchers, he’s a formidable (.318 / .401 / .991), and is salivating to face Phil Hughes (.439 / .465 / 1.465) with 6 HR’s in 41 AB.
Pitching: Team-wise, they are as bad as the Twins right now, with a slightly better ERA, despite the same batting average against, fewer strikeouts, and more walks. Francisco Rodriguez has been shaky, but effective (9/10 in save situations) this season. Lefty Justin Wilson has led the bullpen with 17 appearances and 9 holds.
Player to Watch: Jordan Zimmermann. Started off the season 5-0 (with an ERA of 0.55), and only lost his last start because Max Scherzer struck out 20 Tigers. Not overpowering (just 5.25 K/9), Zimmermann keeps runners off the bases (just .276 OBP against) and only 3 home runs against.
Minnesota Twins: Jose Berrios makes his fourth start for Minnesota in Monday’s opener. He was understandably nervous his first game out in a loss, then followed that up with a win over Dallas Keuchel and Houston on the road. Last week against the Orioles he battled with his control, but still pitched 5 innings (93 pitches), giving up only 3 runs and striking out 6.
The Twins need to get something from Phil Hughes this time out. His previous three starts he’s lasted no longer than 5 innings, and his ERA has jumped from 3.91 to 6.44. Most alarmingly, the Twins have been out-scored 34-8 in the last three games in which Hughes has pitched.
Manager Paul Molitor pulled a Tom Kelly “B” lineup out of his hat yesterday, holding out Trevor Plouffe, Brian Dozier, and Kurt Suzuki. Their replacements were 4-11 with a walk, a homer, a double, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored in the win over Cleveland.
Look for Juan Centeno to get a good look at catcher. With the performances of the pitchers over the past two games (just 1 earned run), plus his surprising hitting (7-15, 1 HR, 2 2B), he’s earned the game time, especially since Suzuki is both struggling and dinged up.
Next: Twins Game Grades as Tyler Duffey Tosses Gem in Win
Notes: Twins shortstop of the future, Nick Gordon, came off the DL last week. He hit in all five games since (7/19), but made his 10th error of the season at Ft. Myers. He’ll need to clean those up prior to any promotions.