Twins-Cleveland series preview

Last update: June 9, 2008 - 10:11 PM

THREE-GAME SERIES AT PROGRESSIVE FIELD

Today, 6:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Scott Baker (2-0, 4.03) vs. LHP C.C. Sabathia (3-8, 4.81)

Wednesday, 6:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Nick Blackburn (4-4, 3.94) vs. RHP Paul Byrd (3-5, 4.46)

Thursday, 6:05 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Livan Hernandez (6-3, 5.32) vs. LHP Aaron Laffey (3-3, 2.98)

TWINS UPDATE

Alexi Casilla enters the series with an 11-game hitting streak and is 8-for-9 against Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia, including hits in his past seven plate appearances. ... The Twins have won two of three against the Indians this season, including Nick Blackburn's first career victory on April 19. ... Michael Cuddyer is batting .320 over his past 12 games. ... Twins manager Ron Gardenhire indicated that Joe Mauer will start tonight against Sabathia, but Mauer is batting only .235 against Sabathia while Mike Redmond is batting .522 off the lefty.

INDIANS UPDATE

Think Juan Rincon has problems? The Indians are trying to figure out what's wrong with righthander Rafael Betancourt, who entered Monday 1-3 with a 7.27 ERA. Before his struggles, he had been one of the more reliable relievers in the game. ... Josh Barfield lost his starting job last season to Asdrubal Cabrera. After batting .184, Cabrera was sent to the minors on Monday and Barfield was called up. ... Cleveland hasn't won back-to-back games since May 14-15. ... Sabathia is 11-8 with a 3.28 ERA in his career against the Twins.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

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