Minnesota @ Oakland preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 20, 2012 ) Minnesota 7, Oakland 2

The Oakland Athletics have been one of the surprise contenders in the American League for the last few months, but up until Monday had not made a big external move to improve the team for the stretch drive. That changed with the trade for Stephen Drew from the Arizona Diamondbacks, announcing clearly the Athletics intention to go for it in 2012. The Minnesota Twins have no such hope of contention but are dangerous nonetheless after taking the opener.

Drew, who missed most of the season recovering from an ankle injury, played under Oakland manager Bob Melvin in Arizona. He has hit only .193 in 40 games this season but is a career .266 hitter and solid defender. The Athletics, who had a four-game winning streak snapped in Monday’s opener, are one-half game out of the second wild card spot in the American League. The Twins won for only the second time in 11 games in the series opener thanks to Josh Willingham and Joe Mauer, who each recorded three hits and two RBIs. The two lead an offense that has been the third-best in the AL since the All-Star break.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), CS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Cole De Vries (2-4, 5.04 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Brett Anderson (NR)

De Vries has been pounded for 12 runs (11 earned) and 15 hits in 5 1/3 innings over his last two appearances but remains in the Minnesota rotation thanks to a host of injuries and sub-par performances from others. The 27-year-old was lit up for seven runs in five innings to suffer a loss to Oakland on July 14, surrendering home runs to Chris Carter, Yoenis Cespedes and Seth Smith. De Vries has not won since June 30.

Anderson was on the fast track to stardom before a tough 2011 campaign ended in Tommy John surgery last June. The 24-year old left-hander went 3-6 with a 4.00 ERA in 2011 and has steadily worked his way back from the surgery this season. Anderson went 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA in six rehab starts and convinced the Oakland brass he was ready to come back with a strong bullpen session over the weekend. He is 2-2 with a 3.29 ERA in four career starts against the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Drew was acquired in exchange for minor leaguer Sean Jamison and will likely take the roster spot of INF Adam Rosales when he joins the team Tuesday.

2. Minnesota CF Denard Span (neck) had an MRI Monday and missed his seventh straight game.

3. Cliff Pennington, who had been getting the bulk of the time at SS, is batting .198 but could be kept as a capable defender at three infield positions.