Series preview: Twins vs. Detroit

LHP Francisco Liriano (2-4, 6.61 ERA) vs. RHP Rick Porcello (2-2, 3.93)

The Twins are 4-6 at home and know they won't have long to settle in on this five-game homestand against Detroit and Toronto. By the time they get back from their next road trip -- to Seattle, Oakland and Arizona -- they will have played 33 of their first 48 games on the road. ... This will be their first matchup with the Tigers, who went 9-9 against the Twins last year but only 2-7 at Target Field. ... Liriano had a tougher time against Detroit than he did against most teams last year, going 1-3 with a 5.26 ERA. ... Baker has been the Twins' hottest pitcher, going 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in his past four starts, with 25 strikeouts and four walks in 281/3 innings.

After enduring a six-game losing streak, Detroit rattled off three victories over the Yankees and won three of four in Toronto, including Monday's 10-5 rout, to reach .500 at 18-18. Tigers starters are 6-1 with a 1.85 ERA in their past seven games. ... Justin Verlander pitched his second career no-hitter Saturday, four days after Liriano's no-no in Chicago, and the two pitchers shared American League pitcher of the week honors Monday. Verlander isn't scheduled to pitch again until Friday against the Royals. ... Porcello is 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in his past four starts, with 20 strikeouts and five walks in 262/3 innings.