Cleveland Indians Series Preview: Minnesota Twins, September 26-September 29

The Tribe conclude their surprising 2013 season with a trip to the play-in/playoffs on the line. They visit Target Field to see the Twins for the final time. This four three games set is scheduled for Thursday and Friday starts at 8:10 PM starts, the national Fox game of the week on Saturday at 1:05 PM and the season finale Sunday game is set for 2:10 PM.

Scoreboard Watch: Rays at Blue Jays, Angels at Rangers

Team in a Box

*all stats through Tuesday's games except records

Since we last met the Twins, they have gotten even worse. If not for the White Sox, they'd probably be in last place. They dealt Morneau at the deadline and Mauer is now done for the season as well. After losing two of three to us in late August, they were swept by the Royals, blue Jays and A's. They did have two winning series in the Lone Star state, taking two of three from both the Astros and Rangers. Other than that, nothing too good has happened. The hitting has stagnated and the pitching has gotten worse.

Projected Lineup

This lineup does not have much pop without Mauer. If Oswaldo Arcia (103 OPS+) is cleared, he'll likely start in left. We might also see Eduardo Escobar (71) at short and perhaps Ryan Doumit (96) somewhere. The rest of the bench includes Darin Mastroianni (33), Chris Colabello (72), Doug Bernier (75) and Eric Fryer (10 PA) backing up catcher and outfield.

Projected Starters

After a fantastic start, Albers has come back to the pack. In his last five starts, he has a 5.18 ERA, 1.480 WHIP (only two walks), and 4.4 K/9 covering 24.1 IP. In his second career start, he pitched a shutout against us, only two hits, no walks and just two strikeouts. Hernandez has made four starts since his recall in September. In those four starts, he has a 7.13 ERA, 1.471 WHIP and 4.6 K/9 in just 17.2 IP. He has one win in two starts against the Tribe this year, 6.10 ERA, 2.032 WHIP and 3.5 K/9 in 10.1 IP. De Vries spent most of 2013 in AAA. He was called up with the roster expansion in September as well. He made two relief appearances and his last outing was his only start. He got smashed by the A's, six earned runs in just two innings of work. He made one appearance versus the Indians in 2012, six innings of shutout ball, three hits, one walk and two strikeouts. Pelfrey has had a rough 2013. In his last five starts he has a 5.81 ERA, 1.595 WHIP and 9.2 K/9 in 26.1 IP. He has pitched well against the Tribe though. In three starts, 2.16 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 in 16.2 IP.

Key Relievers

Perkins has been fantastic in September save one outing against the Astros. He has a 3.00 ERA in eight appearances, 0.889 WHIP and 10.0 K/9 in 9 IP. In five games versus the Tribe, he has a 3.18 ERA, 1.059 WHIP and 11.1 K/9 with four saves. Fien has made ten appearances in September with a 3.86 ERA, 1.428 WHIP, 12.9 K/9 in 7 IP. In six appearances against us, he has a 7.50 ERA, 1.667 WHIP, 12.0 K/9 in 6.0 IP. Burton hasn't been as good in September, 4.70 ERA, 1.565 WHIP, 5.9 K/9 in just 7.2 IP. In seven appearances as well versus us in2013, he has a 4.05 ERA, 1.200 WHIP and 8.1 K/9 in 6.2 IP. Other bullpen options include Brian Duensing (99 ERA+), Anthony Swarzak (136), Josh Roenicke (96), Ryan Pressly (106), Caleb Thielbar (221), Tonkin (8.2 IP) and Shairon Martis (7.1 IP).

On the Shelf

• RF Oswaldo Arcia (right knee bruise) - day to day
• SP Samuel Deduno (right shoulder surgery) - 60-day DL, out for season
• C Joe Mauer (concussion-like symptoms) - 15-day DL, out for season
• LF Wilkin Ramirez (fractured left tibia) - 60-day DL, out for season

Mauer was recently shut down for the year due to recurring concussion symptoms

Almanac

*Does not include 2013 stats