Baltimore @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 17, 2012 ) Baltimore 4, Minnesota 6

It seems like Francisco Liriano’s name gets bandied about in trade rumors at this time every season - and then again in the winter. With the Minnesota Twins looking like one of the few teams definitely in sell-mode, Liriano could finally be sent packing in 2012. The veteran left-hander should have plenty of opposing scouts watching when he faces the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The Orioles, who have allowed 25 runs the past two days, could use some pitching help.

Liriano offers an attractive option for teams that do not want to pay the cost for Zack Greinke or Cole Hamels but prefer a greater upside to the rest of the market. The Twins have several hitters who have improved their market value the past two nights. Minnesota has destroyed Baltimore pitching for 33 hits in taking the first two games of the series. The Orioles have lost 17 of their last 24 contests and have put pressure on the bullpen with a series of poor starts. Zach Britton only lasted four innings on Tuesday, 3 1/3 frames more than Chris Britton the previous night.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSNO (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Tommy Hunter (3-4, 6.11 ERA) vs. Twins LH Francisco Liriano (3-8, 4.93)

Hunter has bounced between the majors and the minors - as well as the bullpen and the rotation this season while struggling to find success. The right-hander last pitched in the majors on June 30, when he was lit up for five runs and eight hits in 1 2/3 innings of relief against Cleveland. Hunter has allowed at least five runs in five of his last seven outings in the majors. He had one of his best starts against Minnesota on April 7, allowing two unearned runs in seven innings to earn a win.

Liriano struck out 15 batters in eight innings against Oakland last Friday but still ended up with the loss after allowing four runs and as many hits, including a grand slam. The left-hander has surrendered one or no runs in five of his last nine turns. Liriano was reached for five earned runs and eight hits over four innings in a loss to Hunter and the Orioles on April 7. Adam Jones homered off Liriano in the contest.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles are one of 13 teams - all part of the 10 smallest markets, 10 lowest-revenue streams or both - that will take part in the inaugural competitive balance draft lottery on Wednesday. The lottery will determine which six teams get an extra pick following the first round of the 2013 draft.

2. Minnesota All-Star C Joe Mauer has hit in six straight games to bring his average to .333 - the second-best mark in the American League.

3. Baltimore RF Nick Markakis is 9-for-19 over the past four games, lifting his average to .275.