Cleveland Indians Series Preview: Minnesota Twins, August 23-August 25

The Tribe get to see the Twins for the second time in just over a week. This short homestand of three games is the interlude between the recent nine game West Coast trip and the forthcoming six game swing through Atlanta and Detroit. They however had a day off on Thursday and have another one on Monday making this a five day, three game home visit. This three game set is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7:05 PM starts, and the Sunday game is set for 1:05 PM.

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Team in a Box

*all stats through Wednesday's games except records

Since Minnesota lost two of three to us a week and a half ago, the Twins lost three of four to the White Sox, lost a makeup game with the Mets, but just took two of three from the Tigers (Thanks Minnesota!). Their offense is struggling mightily again, averaging 3.5 runs per game since out last series. The pitching hasn't been much better, allowing 5.4 runs per game.

Projected Lineup

Losing Mauer really hurts this lineup. Morneau becomes the de facto best hitter and he is just above league average. Of course, since this an AL Central rival, Dozier, Plouffe and/or Florimon will go nuts in this series. If Oswaldo Arcia (104 OPS+) gets well and avoids the DL, he'll slide back into right setting off a domino effect: Doumit to DH, Willingham to left, Ramirez might shift to center and Thomas to the bench. The Twins other bench players are Chris Colabello (77), Doug Bernier (67) and Chris Herrmann (84) backing up catcher and outfield.

Projected Starters

Deduno took the loss in the August 13 game, 5-2. He pitched six innings, but the Tribe scored in each of the third through sixth innings, with Ryan Raburn doing the most damage, a two run jack in that sixth. Weird stat for Deduno is that he has lost all three of his last starts by the identical 5-2 score. Let's make it four in a row. The starter for Saturday hasn't been officially announced, but Twinkie Town seems to believe it will be Hendriks. He pitched pretty well back on August 9, allowing two runs on solo homers to the White Sox in 6.1 innings. That was only his third appearance all season. He started twice against us in 2012 and once in 2011. [edit: The Twins mlb site is reporting he will get called up for Saturday's game] Pelfrey has started twice against us this year, winning 4-2 back on May 5, striking out seven and only four hits and one walk in six strong innings. He got a no decision in the July 19 game that the Twins won 3-2. He only allowed 4 hits again, but walked three in 5.2 innings, striking out 5.

Key Relievers

Since last we met, Perkins has made only three appearances, with two of them being saves against the Tigers. In the last series, he struck out three in 1.2 innings with Carlos Santana homering off him in the 9-8 Tribe victory on August 14. Fien has been hit pretty hard lately. He allowed eight runs in three consecutive appearances, including four in one third of inning in that same August 14 matchup with Giambi tagging him for a three run shot. He did get the win in yesterday's game against the Tigers. Burton also appeared in that August 14 game, but he emerged unscathed, pitching a perfect inning with one strikeout. Since that game, he has made four appearances, giving up one run on four hits, five strikeouts, two holds and a win against the White Sox. Other bullpen options include Brian Duensing (105 ERA+), Anthony Swarzak (143), Josh Roenicke (137), Ryan Pressly (107), Caleb Thielbar (476) and Tonkin (2.1 IP). Either Tonkin will be optioned or RF Arcia will be placed on the DL to make room for the Saturday Hendriks start.

On the Shelf

• RP Tim Wood (right rotator cuff strain, biceps tendinitis) - 60-day DL, out for season
• RF Oswaldo Arcia (sore left wrist) - day to day, might require a DL stint
• SP Samuel Deduno (right shoulder soreness) - day to day, expected to make start Aug 23
• C Joe Mauer (concussion-like symptoms) 7-day DL, not eligible to return until August 27

In the short time since we have seen the Twins, massive changes to this list. Darin Mastroianni was activated and optioned to AAA, Wilkin Ramirez was activated and Ryan Doumit was activated. Mauer was recently placed on the DL for his concussion symptoms and Arcia likely will also be placed on the DL.

Almanac

*Does not include 2013 stats