Baltimore @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 16, 2012 ) Baltimore 7, Minnesota 19

The Baltimore Orioles have had a habit of getting off to strong starts only to fade out of playoff contention and below .500. This season appears to be no different. The Orioles have lost three of four to start the second half, continuing a trend that saw them drop 13 of 19 heading into the All-Star break. The Minnesota Twins had lost five in a row before running into Baltimore, which let them enjoy their best night of the year.

The Twins piled up a season-high 19 runs in a 20-hit attack on Monday to embarrass the Orioles. Denard Span, who has been one of several players on the Twins who have seen their names bandied about in trade rumors, improved his market value with five RBIs and a pair of strong plays in center field. Baltimore (46-43) has dropped out of a playoff spot in the American League and could find itself among the selling crowd at the July 31 deadline if it does not turn it around soon.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Zach Britton (2011: 11-11, 4.61 ERA) vs. Twins RH Samuel Deduno (0-0, 5.06)

Britton was penciled into the opening day rotation but was injured for the first two months and then struggled in a rehab assignment. Injuries to the Baltimore staff opened up a spot in the rotation, and Britton impressed with seven scoreless innings in his latest start for Triple-A Norfolk. The 24-year old pitched twice against Minnesota in 2011, going 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA.

Deduno made his first major-league start for the Twins at Texas on July 7, allowing three runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out three and walked three and did not factor in the decision. The Dominican right-hander was pushed into the Minnesota rotation because of injuries and has a chance to stick around if he can keep the ball in the park. Deduno yielded two homers to the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles 2B Robert Andino had an MRI reveal a strained shoulder Monday. He will be out 3-to-4 weeks.

2. Minnesota had not scored more than five runs in a game since July 3 before exploding Monday.

3. Baltimore has yet to announce a starter for Wednesday. Jason Hammel (knee) was placed on the disabled list Sunday, opening the slot.