Seattle @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 20, 2011 ) Seattle 5, Minnesota 4

THE STORY: The Mariners aren’t taking any chances with their future ace, rookie Michael Pineda. The 22-year-old will make his final start Wednesday in the middle of a three-game series in Minnesota. Pineda has already thrown 167 innings this year after tossing 139 1/3 in two minor-league outposts in 2010. Pineda will try to extend Minnesota’s season-worst 10-game losing streak.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT, FS-N

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Michael Pineda (9-10, 3.72 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kevin Slowey (0-6, 6.51 ERA)

Pineda is winless in his last six starts, though he still has a fine WHIP of 1.08. He has allowed three earned runs or fewer in his last four starts, but has gotten little run support. Batters are hitting just .208 against the 6-foot-7 hurler.

Slowey has lost six straight starts, the most consecutive losses by a Minnesota starter since Boof Bonser lost eight straight in 2007. The converted reliever has given up seven homers in those outings.

ABOUT THE MARINERS (65-89): Rookie Mike Carp is hitting .305 with 11 homers and 44 RBIs since being recalled from the minors on July 19. Of Carp’s 68 hits, 27 have gone for extra bases. With a 5-for-5 performance Tuesday, Carp became just the third Mariners rookie with a five-hit game. Fellow rookie Alex Liddi has homered in two straight games. First baseman Justin Smoak (groin) ran before Tuesday’s game and could be available Wednesday. Manager Eric Wedge hopes to have SS Brendan Ryan (back) and OF Casper Wells (sinus) back by the end of this trip, which ends Sunday in Texas.

ABOUT THE TWINS (59-94): Minnesota hasn’t had a 10-game losing streak since 1998. The Twins have lost 15 of 16. Pitcher Scott Baker was activated from the DL and is available out of the bullpen. Rookie CF Ben Revere is hitting .452 (14 of 31) during his seven-game hitting streak after going 4-for-5 in Tuesday’s 5-4 loss. He’s making a case to be the Twins’ 2012 leadoff hitter even if Denard Span comes back healthy.

FINAL PITCH: A total of 12 rookies started Tuesday’s game as both teams look toward next season.