Rain is on the way, perhaps as soon as sundown (not that we can see it through the overcast skies), so a fast game tonight is advised. The left-handers on the mound might be able to provide one.
Andrew Albers gave up only four hits in seven innings during his last start, and he's had two other scoreless outings in his seven-game major-league career. And Matt Moore has given up one run or fewer in six of his last eight starts; he's 15-3 and hasn't lost a game since mid-June. Of course, he missed August with elbow soreness, but with an ERA of 0.77 since he returned, the pain doesn't seem to be a problem anymore.
The Twins have a little more firepower in their lineup than they did last night, with Ryan Doumit, Josh Willingham and Chris Colabello all starting again. Doumit bats third because, as manager Ron Gardenhire points out, he's been OK batting right-handed; his .283 average and .338 on-base percentage are markedly better than his left-handed numbers.
Chris Herrmann will catch, despite the lefty on the mound and the presence of right-handed-hitting Josmil Pinto on the roster, because he is so experienced catching Albers. Gardenhire likes the combination well enough to give up a little offense at the position. And Brian Dozier makes his first appearance at the No. 2 slot, where Gardenhire has said a few times he particularly likes his second baseman, since July 10.
A notable change in Tampa Bay's lineup, too: former Twin Delmon Young, who turns 28 today, bats sixth as the DH for the Rays.
Tonight's lineups:
RAYS
Jennings CF
