twins/mlb

Tonight, 9:05 p.m., FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Ramon Ortiz (2-0, 1.80 ERA) vs RHP Jeff Weaver (0-1, 31.50)

Wednesday, 9:05 p.m., FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Carlos Silva (0-1, 0.77) vs RHP Felix Hernandez (2-0, 2.00)

Thursday, 5:35 p.m, FSN, 1500-AM

LHP Johan Santana (2-1, 3.60) vs. LHP Jarrod Washburn (0-1, 3.75)

KEY MATCHUP

Ramon Ortiz is 5-7 with a 3.46 ERA in his career against Seattle. He has been able to contain hitting star Ichiro Suzuki, holding him to a .261 batting average and a .277 on-base percentage.

TWINS UPDATE

Nick Punto's MRI Monday revealed nothing more than a left ankle sprain and some swelling, so the Twins hope he can play sometime this series. That was a close call, since Jeff Cirillo is recovering from knee surgery and there's no third baseman ready in the minors. Luis Rodriguez is expected to start until Punto is ready, but Alexi Casilla has taken some grounders there. ... The Twins are 11-13 at Safeco Field under Ron Gardenhire. ... Mike Redmond batted .308 vs. the Mariners last season; Luis Castillo batted only .231. ... Righthander Jesse Crain (sore shoulder) should be available after being out last week.

MARINERS UPDATE

Seattle will face a lefthanded starter for the first time this season in Santana. ... Suzuki has stolen 40 consecutive bases without being thrown out, a streak that goes back to last season, when he stole 45 of 47 bases. Joe Mauer is 0-for-3 in throwing out base- stealers and Mike Redmond is 2-for-2, but steals come off of the pitcher as much as any other factor. ... First baseman Richie Sexson has five hits, all for extra bases. ... All you need to know about Felix Hernandez is this: He has given up four hits in 17 innings and has struck out 18.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III