Minnesota @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2012 ) Minnesota 6, Cleveland 5

The Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians do not have much to play for, but don't tell that to some of the younger players trying to land a job. The Indians and Twins, who are tied for fourth in the American League Central, will play the middle contest of their three-game series Wednesday in Cleveland. Darin Mastroianni, who scored from second base on Alexi Casilla's infield hit in the 12th inning to help Minnesota to a 6-5 victory Tuesday, hopes to make the big club out of spring training in 2013. The Indians' Lonnie Chisenhall homered and is trying to show Cleveland management he is the third baseman of the future after missing two months with a broken forearm this season.

Minnesota has won four straight against Cleveland and 11 of the last 13 meetings since the Indians won the first three matchups this season. Minnesota's Liam Hendriks is still searching for his first major league victory after 17 starts (0-9). Hendriks will oppose Cleveland's Zach McAllister, who is 1-5 with a 5.48 ERA in his last nine outings and 0-2 lifetime against the Twins.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Liam Hendriks (0-7, 6.14 ERA) vs. Indians RH Zach McAllister (5-7, 4.15)

Hendriks, a native of Perth, Australia, has recorded no-decisions in his last three starts, allowing 12 runs (11 earned) in 13 2/3 innings. He yielded three runs in five innings in Minnesota's 4-3 victory over Kansas City on Thursday. Hendriks has a pair of no-decisions against Cleveland, including the Twins' 7-6 loss to the Indians on Sept. 7 when he allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings. Hendriks yielded rookie Russ Canzler's first career homer and first three RBIs in that game. The Twins are 5-12 in Hendriks' starts.

McAllister pitched well enough to win in his last outing. He allowed two runs (one earned), struck out six and scattered eight hits in six innings, but didn't receive the decision in the Indians' 5-4 victory at Texas on Thursday. McAllister lost his previous three starts, including a 3-0 setback at Minnesota on Sept. 8 when he allowed two runs and left after three innings and 87 pitches. Justin Morneau is 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs against McAllister.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota's Joe Mauer went 3-for-4 on Tuesday and is 5-for-7 in two games with a homer, two RBIs and two walks since missing five because of back spasms.

2. The teams combined to use 16 pitchers Tuesday, including a club-record 10 by Cleveland.

3. The Twins have won only twice in their last seven games.