THREE-GAME SERIES AT PROGRESSIVE FIELD

Friday, 6:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500ESPN

RHP Carl Pavano (6-9, 4.71 ERA) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.71)

Saturday, 6:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500ESPN

LHP Brian Duensing (8-10, 4.56) vs. RHP Josh Tomlin (11-5, 4.08)

Sunday, 12:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500ESPN

RHP Kevin Slowey (0-0, 4.91) vs. TBA

TWINS UPDATE

The Twins begin a six-game road trip during which they will face the top two teams in the AL Central in Cleveland and Detroit. Jim Thome is sitting on 598 home runs for his career and has a chance to join the 600 club while in Cleveland, where he broke in and played for 12 seasons. On top of that, you have Justin Morneau and Alexi Casilla returning from the disabled list and Kevin Slowey returning from the minors. It will make for an interesting weekend. ... With a double on Wednesday, Joe Mauer has 211 for his career, moving him past Chuck Knoblauch for sole possession of 10th place in Twins history. ... Denard Span is 1-for-27 since coming off of the disabled list. ... Michael Cuddyer is batting .344 against lefties this season, .274 against righties.

INDIANS UPDATE

Jason Kipnis made his major league debut July 22 and hit .136 the rest of the month. He has exploded in August, entering Thursday batting .385. He went 5-for-5 Wednesday, become the first Indians rookie to have at least five hits, four runs and three RBI in a game. ... Joe Smith's 1.84 ERA entering Thursday was the best among AL relievers. ... The Indians are 23-10 when they score in the first inning. ... The Twins won a July 20 game at Target Field started by Josh Tomlin, but Tomlin brings a 1.05 WHIP into his start on Saturday. That would be the lowest by an Indians pitcher since Gaylord Perry in 1972. ... Righthander Carlos Carrasco (sore elbow) is on the 15-day disabled list.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III