Minnesota @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( May 6, 2012 ) Minnesota 2, Seattle 5

The Twins are set to begin their longest road trip of the season Friday with a three-game series against Seattle, but at least they won’t have to face Felix Hernandez. The 2010 AL Cy Young award winner pitched the 23rd perfect game in major-league history and third this season on Wednesday against Tampa Bay, helping the Mariners win for the fourth time in their last five games. Minnesota might be eager to start its 10-game trip after completing a 1-5 homestand, but Seattle has won nine of its last 10 games at Safeco Field.

Minnesota, which owns the worst winning percentage in the AL (.427), hopes to get center fielder Denard Span back this weekend after he missed three straight games with a sore right shoulder. One player who won’t be available is rookie shortstop Brian Dozier, who was demoted to Triple-A Rochester after hitting .234 in 84 games. Infielder Pedro Florimon was recalled to take Dozier’s spot on the roster. Seattle first baseman Justin Smoak can certainly relate to Dozier’s struggles. Smoak was demoted to Triple-A Tacoma last month before getting recalled this week when Mike Carp (hip) landed on the disabled list.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN (Minnesota), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Nick Blackburn (4-8, 7.33 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (3-3, 4.16)

Blackburn is winless over his last seven outings and has posted a 7.15 ERA over that stretch. He’s 3-2 with a 3.44 ERA in eight career starts against the Mariners, and he gave up five runs in six innings against Seattle on May 6. Miguel Olivo is 10-for-21 with three homers against Blackburn, who is 2-4 with a 7.98 ERA in nine road starts this season.

Iwakuma has been a pleasant surprise since joining Seattle’s rotation after making his first 14 appearances this season in relief. He’s gone 2-2 with a 3.73 ERA over his seven starts, and he allowed three runs over seven innings last Saturday against the Angels. Iwakuma’s 13 strikeouts against the Blue Jays on July 30 set a Mariners rookie record.

WALK-OFFS

1. Seattle C John Jaso has reached base safely in a career-high 11 straight games

2. The Twins activated RHP Anthony Swarzak from the 15-day disabled list and optioned relievers Jeff Manship and Luis Perdomo to Triple-A Rochester.

3. The Mariners are the first team in major league history to throw a perfect game and have a perfect game thrown against them in same season.