Minnesota Twins probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Houston Astros, May 31

The last time the Minnesota Twins were down in Houston we got iconic games from both Carlos Correa and Pablo Lopez. Both of those guys will see action when the Twins kick off their only series of the season on Friday night.

Minnesota seems to back in a winning groove, having won seven of their last ten games after getting swept by both the Guardians and Yankees. The Twins followed up back-to-back sweeps by winning three straight series, a streak the team would like to see continue against the Astros.

It’s more than just a streak on the line for the Twins, though. Houston ended Minnesota’s postseason run last October in the ALDS and Friday night will see the first rematch between the two teams since. Houston is looking to keep climbing out of an early hole it fell in, as the Astros come into the series with a 25-32 record and a bleak outlook in the AL West.

We’re only at the end of May, and a lot of things can change. Minnesota can make a statement with a strong series down in Houston, though, and a good weekend would go a long way in helping the Twins get back into the AL Central race.

Twins vs. Astros probable starting pitchers, May 31

It’s been a truly brutal stretch for Pablo Lopez (4-5, 5.25 ERA) who has fallen into a slump as of late. The Twins haven’t won a game he’s started since May 9th, as Lopez has allowed 16 runs over his last three starts.

He was lit up by the Rangers in his last start which hopefully means he’s going to bounce back against the other Texas team down in Houston on Friday night. What was more troubling than his outing on Sunday was how the Washington Nationals — not exactly a world beating team this year — cooked Lopez for seven runs on eight hits in just five innings of work. He lasted even shorter than that against Texas and gave up 10 hits to the Yankees three starts ago.

That’s how things have gone lately for Lopez, who is still the Twins’ ace and simply needs to shake off whatever is weighing him down. A start against Houston is a perfect opportunity to get right, as Lopez turned in an iconic performance last time he was at Minute Maid Park and badly needs to tap back into that magic.

Ronel Blanco (5-0, 1.99 ERA) is going up against the Twins on Houston’s side, and he’ll be a tough matchup for Minnesota’s offense. He pitched a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays in his first start of the season and then held Texas to just one run in six innings a start later.

That was a precursor to how dominant he can be, as Blanco hasn’t allowed more than three hits in a game so far this season. Minnesota’s offense has been up-and-down this year but woke up nicely against the Royals and Rangers which is something that will need to continue on Friday to keep the good times rolling.

What time is the Minnesota Twins game tonight?

Thursday’s day game against the Royals was the first of three games the Twins will play over the next four that have early start times. Friday’s series opener against Houston is not one of them, as it’s the only night game in that stretch of games.Thursday’s daygame against the Royals was the first of three games the Twins will play over the next four that have early start times. Friday’s series opener against Houston is not one of them, as it’s the only night game in that stretch of games.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm CT.

How to watch Minnesota Twins game today?

It’s a Friday Night, but the game won’t be part of Apple TV’s broadcast package. Instead, fans will have to battle the gods to try and get the game on Bally Sports North — although a nationally broadcast game is coming next Tuesday against the Yankees.

That doesn’t do anyone much good tonight, though.

• Game time: 7:10 pm CT
• Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
• Location: Houston, TX
• Stadium: Minute Maid Park
• TV Channel: Bally Sports North

Here are some streaming options in case Bally Sports North isn’t an option for you as part of your cable package:

• Bally Sports website and Bally Sports App
• MLB.tv (subscription required)
• fuboTV (which has a free trial)

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