Minnesota @ San Francisco preview

THE STORY: The Minnesota Twins look to extend their seven-game winning streak Tuesday when they open a three-game series against the host San Francisco Giants. After a terrible start, the Twins have won 14 of their last 16 games, while the Giants have lost four straight while scoring a total of seven runs during that stretch.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, Fox Sports North (Minnesota), Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Carl Pavano (4-5, 4.20 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (3-8, 3.21). Pavano has thrown two complete games in June, going 2-0 with a 1.44 ERA in three starts. He only needed 96 pitches in a complete-game win over the White Sox on Wednesday. Pavano is 2-3 with a 4.89 ERA in eight career appearances - seven starts - against the Giants. Bumgarner allowed two runs on five hits while striking out six over six innings against Arizona on Wednesday. He has allowed three or fewer runs while pitching at least six innings in each of his last 10 starts, posting a 2.03 ERA in that stretch.

ABOUT THE TWINS (31-39): Most American League pitchers dread having to bat during interleague play. That’s not necessarily the case for Pavano, who has 303 at-bats in his career. He pitched in the National League from 1998-2004 and hit .145 with two home runs. He went 3-for-6 last season in interleague play. Kevin Slowey (abdominal strain) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Wednesday, and he could begin a minor league rehab assignment by the weekend. Michael Cuddyer continues to be mentioned in trade talks with the Phillies, who are looking for a right-handed outfielder. Cuddyer has reportedly told the Twins he would be willing to waive his limited no-trade clause, but the team’s recent surge may have changed their plans. Cuddyer is in the final year of a three-year, $24 million contract. Denard Span (concussion) and Jason Kubel (foot) are both recovering from injuries and are expected to miss the team’s entire road trip this week.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (39-33): The Giants are fortunate to be in the National League West, where they have a half-game lead over Arizona. San Francisco is hitting .180 during their losing streak, and they’ve gone 0-for-26 with runners in scoring position. While there are plenty of hitters struggling, catcher Eli Whiteside and shortstop Brandon Crawford’s lack of offense have many fans asking general manager Brian Sabean to make a trade. Crawford is 10-for-59 in June, and Whiteside is batting .190 with four RBIs in 79 at-bats. Sabean has been hesitant to deal starting pitchers Jonathan Sanchez or Bumgarner in the past, but it may be necessary this season. With Freddy Sanchez (shoulder) out for at least another month and Buster Posey (leg) gone for the season, the Giants’ offense is near the bottom in most National League team batting categories.

FINAL PITCH: The Twins are 11-4 in their last 15 games against the NL West.