Minnesota @ Kansas City preview
Kauffman Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 28, 2010 ) Minnesota 1, Kansas City 10
Maybe the Minnesota Twins' recent problems won't mean a thing once the playoffs begin next week. At least that's what the team must be hoping.
Minnesota's poor play since clinching the American League Central continued Tuesday night with a 10-1 defeat to last-place Kansas City. The Twins have lost five consecutive games, are banged up by injuries and their pitching - the starters in particular - is struggling.
The Twins haven't won since Sept. 22, the day after wrapping up the division. Minnesota has allowed 46 runs in its losing streak. Starting pitchers Francisco Liriano, Carl Pavano, Brian Duensing, Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn have combined to allow 28 earned runs in 19 2/3 innings.
Liriano, Pavano and Duesning will pitch the first three games of the AL Division Series. Blackburn will start Game 4 if the opening round goes that far.
The Royals, not exactly known for putting up big offensive numbers, have scored 20 runs in the first two games of the series. Kansas City outscored Minnesota 10-8 on Monday night before cruising to Tuesday's win.
Minnesota is still playing without catcher Joe Mauer, who has been sidelined since Sept. 19 with a jammed right knee. It was hoped he could be used as the designated a couple of times in this series, but that hasn't happened.
If Mauer can't go in the final game tonight, he will only have four games left in the regular season to return to the lineup and catch a couple of times before the playoffs begin.
DH Jim Thome (sore back) and shortstop J.J. Hardy (sore left knee) have returned to Minneapolis to rehab their injuries while first baseman Justin Morneau hasn't played since July 7 because of a concussion.
Veteran Scott Baker, who is battling for a bullpen spot on the playoff roster, will try to give the Twins a good outing in today's series finale. The right-hander is 5-0 in nine starts since his last loss on July 19. Baker got a no-decision in his last start against Cleveland, allowing one earned run in five innings.
He will be opposed by Luke Hochevar, who missed most of the season with a sore right elbow. He's 1-2 in three starts since returning from the injury. Hochevar's first game back after missing three months was a relief appearance against Minnesota on Sept. 7. He allowed three runs in three innings.
Hochevar lost his last start against the Indians, giving up four runs in five innings.