Series preview: Twins at Indians (May 5-8)

In a scheduling quirk, the Twins visit Progressive Field for the second time this year before the Indians have even visited Minnesota once.

• Monday's game is at 7:05 PM (Gibson vs. McAllister)
• Tuesday's game is at 7:05 PM (Deduno vs. Tomlin)
• Wednesday's game is at 7:05 PM (Nolasco vs. Salazar)
• Thursday's game is at 12:05 PM (Correia vs. Masterson)

After the getaway game on Thursday, the Tribe travels to Tampa Bay and Toronto for their next road trip.

Division Watch: Astros at Tigers, White Sox at Cubs/Cubs at White Sox, Royals at Padres.

Team in a Box

*all stats through Saturday's games except overall record

Since taking two of three from the Tribe opening week, the Twins have been streaky. They have had a three game winning streak and losing streaks of three and four games. They were swept at home by the Dodgers and then took two of three from the Orioles in the past week.

The biggest surprise this year is that the Twins offense has been pretty hot. They are fourth in runs scored and second in on-base percentage. But the slugging percentage is only tenth. After signing all those starters for the rotation this winter, they have little to show for it as they are allowing too many hits and are striking out even fewer guys than last season.

Projected Roster

**Stats include his time in Oakland.

There has been some roster turnover since we last faced the Twins. Both Oswaldo Arcia and Josh Willingham both landed on the DL. Then the other starting outfielder, Aaron Hicks, got a concussion last week and landed on the 7-day DL. Hot-hitting Colabello has taken over in right with backup catcher Pinto assuming DH duties. With all of the injuries, Sam Fuld was claimed off waivers from the A's. Jason Bartlett was given his release.

Dozier has been the biggest surprise as he already has eight dingers, all of them solo shots. Tribe-killer Plouffe is hitting pretty well, but Mauer has gotten off to a slow start. And to top it off, Mauer left yesterday's game with back spasms. He may miss a game or two. Florimon has struggled mightily at the plate and is now part of three man rotation at SS with Escobar and newcomer Santana.

Projected Staff

Mike Pelfrey is on the DL; Darnell has been in the minors

The only starter we miss is Hughes, who won yesterday. But as there isn't a lefthander in the bunch, Chisenhall should start at least three, if not all four games. As noted above, the three offseason free agent starters have not lived up to their contracts. Before yesterday, Hughes was the best of the three. Nolasco has been hit hard, and Pelfrey even harder. He landed on the DL last week though. That means Deduno will make his first start of the season against us. The K rates of Nolasco, Correia and Gibson are really bad.

The bullpen has been the bright spot this season with the exceptions of Burton and Swarzak. They may not have a leftie in the rotation but do have four of them in the bullpen currently. Although recent call-up Darnell may get sent down if another bench bat is needed with Mauer ailing.

On the Shelf

• RF Oswaldo Garcia [15 day DL], on AAA rehab assignment
• LF Josh Willingham [15 day DL], possible early May return
• CF Aaron Hicks [7 day DL, concussion], no timetable for return
• SP Mike Pelfrey [15 day DL], no timetable for return

Almanac

*Does not include 2014 stats