twins at yankees

series preview

THREE-GAME SERIES AT yankee stadium

Friday, 6:05 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Ricky Nolasco (2-5, 6.15 ERA) vs. LHP Vidal Nuno (1-1, 5.49)

Saturday, 12:05 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Kevin Correia (2-6, 6.34 ERA) vs. RHP Masahiro Tanaka (1-1, 5.49)

Sunday, 12:05 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Phil Hughes (5-1, 3.23 ERA) vs. RHP Chase Whitley (0-0, 2.57)

YANKEES UPDATE

After posting four victories in their past five games, the Yankees are sitting four games above .500 and three games back of AL East leader Toronto. … New York hasn't been as dominant offensively as it sometimes is through the first two months. As of Thursday evening, the Yankees ranked tenth in MLB in batting average, 13th in slugging percentage and 16th in slugging percentage. … Third baseman Yangervis Solarte leads the team in batting average (.283) among players with at least 100 at-bats. Since May 15, however, the rookie has hit only .152. … First baseman Mark Teixeira hasn't played since May 25 because of a sore wrist.

TWINS UPDATE

The Twins are in big need of a spark after losing six of their past seven games and three of four to Texas. … Phil Hughes will make his first return to the Big Apple after posting an ERA over 5.00 in two of the past three seasons. The 27-year-old is currently on a streak of facing 175 batters without giving up a walk. … Center fielder Aaron Hicks has been held out of the starting lineup for two consecutive games because of back spasms. Rookie shortstop Danny Santana has been playing in his absence.

AMELIA RAYNO