Minnesota @ Cleveland preview

Progressive Field

Last Meeting ( Aug 14, 2013 ) Cleveland 9, Minnesota 8


The Cleveland Indians are hanging around in the playoff hunt, spurred by an important three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels that ended a 6-3 road trip. The Indians look to keep gaining ground when they host the Minnesota Twins on Friday to start a three-game series, before going away for six more. Nick Swisher is 9-for-27 with three homers in the last six games for Cleveland, which trails Oakland by 2 ½ games for the second American League wild-card spot.

The Indians, five back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central, are 7-5 against the Twins this season – including 4-2 at home. Minnesota helped Cleveland out by beating the Tigers two of three earlier this week without former AL MVP Joe Mauer, who is on the seven-day concussion list. Justin Morneau has hit seven of his 15 homers in August and is 7-for-15 in his last four games for the Twins.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Samuel Deduno (7-7, 3.82 ERA) vs. Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (9-7, 4.00)

Deduno suffered from shoulder soreness after allowing five runs over five innings against the Chicago White Sox last Sunday to lose his third consecutive start. The 30-year-old, who lost both decisions to the Indians this season, was cleared to go after throwing again Wednesday. Lonnie Chisenhall is 2-for-6 with a homer against Deduno, who is 2-2 in five career starts versus Cleveland with a 4.50 ERA.

Jimenez yielded one run and one hit over 5 2/3 innings to beat Oakland on Saturday after losing three of his previous four outings. The right-hander has given up 116 hits over 128 1/3 innings with 123 strikeouts and is facing Minnesota for the first time in 2013. Justin Morneau is 3-for-9 with a home run in his career against Jimenez, who is 2-2 with a 3.25 ERA in four lifetime starts versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland CF Michael Bourn has grounded into only one double play in 438 plate appearances.

2. Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins has blown only one of 21 save opportunities since May 29 and has a career-high 30 overall.

3. Indians DH Jason Giambi is two hits shy of 2,000 hits after his 403rd career double Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 2

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