Cleveland @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 9, 2012 ) Cleveland 7, Minnesota 8

Injuries have limited Minnesota’s Justin Morneau to just 11 games in September the past three seasons. The Twins are happy their first baseman is healthy this year. Morneau hit two home runs in Sunday’s victory over Cleveland, including a walk-off in the bottom of the ninth. Morneau is hitting .321 this September with nine RBIs and six runs in nine games. Cleveland, which led the AL Central for 43 days earlier this season, continues to struggle and has lost 11 of its past 16 games.

The Indians scored seven runs in Sunday’s loss, after scoring just 21 runs in their first seven games this month. Cleveland starter Justin Masterson aims for his third victory in his past five starts. Samuel Deduno starts for Minnesota, looking for his second victory in three starts against the Indians this season. The Twins are 5-4 this month.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), Fox Sports North (Minnesota).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cleveland RH Justin Masterson (11-12, 4.84 ERA) vs. Minnesota RH Samuel Deduno (5-3, 3.66)

Masterson beat the Tigers on Tuesday, allowing two runs on four hits in six innings. The right-hander has alternated good performances with rough outings in his past five starts. Starting Aug. 13, Masterson has allowed zero, seven, one, eight and two earned runs, respectively.

Deduno looks to get on track after losing three of his past four starts. He pitched well in his last outing Sept. 3 against the White Sox, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings. Deduno struck out nine with no walks and gave up two hits in seven shutout innings Aug. 29 against Seattle, earning the victory.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota leads the season series 9-5.

2. Cleveland DH Asdrubal Cabrera left Sunday’s game with soreness in his right hand.

3. The Twins expect LF Josh Willingham to play after missing Sunday’s game with a sore left hamstring.