Minnesota @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 26, 2009 ) Minnesota 4, Cincinnati 6

After being swept in three games by Cleveland, the Reds look to return to their winning ways when they open a three-game set against visiting Minnesota. Cincinnati closer Aroldis Chapman has struggled of late, going 0-3 with a 10.13 ERA and two blown saves since June 7. Chapman has been dealing with lower back pain, but he said that’s not the source of his recent slump. Prior to June 7, Chapman had not allowed an earned run for the Reds, who lead the NL in bullpen ERA (2.70).

Minnesota has lost six of its last eight, including a 9-1 loss to the Pirates on Thursday. The Twins are hoping to get C Joe Mauer back at some point this weekend. Mauer, who is batting .314 with 33 RBIs, has missed the last three games with a bruised right quadriceps. With Carl Pavano and P.J. Walters on the disabled list, Twins’ left-hander Brian Duensing will make his first start of the season on Saturday. Duensing, who has made 50 career starts, has a 3.12 ERA in 34 2/3 innings as a reliever this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN (Minnesota), Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Nick Blackburn (3-4, 7.48 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (5-4, 4.03)

Blackburn allowed four runs over six innings last Sunday against the Brewers, and he has just one quality start in 10 outings. Left-handed hitters have gone 35-for-89 (.393) with four homers against Blackburn, who has given up a home run in seven of his 10 starts.

Since giving up six runs in three innings against the Pirates on June 5, Bailey has turned in two straight quality outings. He was outstanding last Saturday against the Mets, allowing one run on six hits over eight innings. Bailey is making his first career appearance against the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds CF Drew Stubbs (oblique) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Dayton this weekend.

2. Twins OF Trevor Plouffe is batting .385 (25-for-65) with five doubles, nine home runs, 16 RBIs and 16 runs scored in 17 games in June.

3. Reds 1B Joey Votto has hit safely in nine straight games and 24 of 25, batting .484 (44-of-91) with six homers and 17 RBIs during that stretch.