Minnesota @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 1, 2012 ) Minnesota 8, Kansas City 7

It has been a long and winding journey for Esmerling Vasquez, who will make his first major-league start in Sunday's series finale at Kansas City. A veteran of eight years in the Arizona organization, Vasquez has 141 major-league appearances - all in relief. Converted to a starter this season in the Minnesota Twins' organization, the right-hander was shut down with right shoulder inflammation earlier this year. Friday’s rainout seemed to zap the momentum from Kansas City, which came into the weekend having won four of its past six.

Minnesota won both games of Saturday’s doubleheader, scoring 11 runs to collect the sweep. The Royals have the third-worst record in the American League, while the Twins reside at the bottom of the standings. Kansas City went 17-11 in August but is 7-23 this season against the respective last-place teams in the AL (Minnesota, Seattle and Toronto).

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports North (Minneapolis), Fox Sports Kansas City (Kansas City).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Esmerling Vasquez (2012 Triple-A: 9-6, 2.78 ERA) vs. Royals RH Luis Mendoza (7-9, 4.51).

Vasquez made eight starts at Triple-A Rochester this season, his first opening assignments since 2008. He went 4-2 as a starter with a 2.93 ERA and one complete game. Vasquez struck out 48 and 43 innings.

Mendoza received a no-decision in his last start Tuesday against Detroit, despite allowing six earned runs in five innings. His last victory came Aug. 17 against the White Sox, going seven innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits. He has four wins since the All-Star break.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Twins lead the season series 10-4.

2. Kansas City OF Jeff Francoeur recorded his major-league leading 16th outfield assist when he threw out a runner in the fifth inning of Saturday’s first game.

3. Minnesota closer Glen Perkins saved both games of Saturday’s doubleheader. He is the first Twins player to record two saves on the same day since Rick Lysander on Aug. 18, 1984.