Twins vs. Kansas City series preview

THREE-GAME SERIES AT TARGET FIELD

Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Mike Pelfrey (4-8, 5.15 ERA) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (6-6, 3.06)

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Kevin Correia (7-7, 4.56) vs. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (10-7, 4.27)

Thursday, 12:10 p.m. • No TV, 96.3-FM

LHP Scott Diamond (5-9, 5.26) vs. RHP James Shields (5-7, 3.09)

TWINS UPDATE

Six of their next nine games are against the Royals, whom they trail by six games for third place in the AL Central. The Twins are 3-7 against Kansas City and in danger of losing the season series for the first time since 2003. … The Twins have won eight of 12 games overall, but only two of their past eight at home. Tuesday's game is only their fourth at Target Field since July 4. … Their bullpen has a composite 3.04 ERA; only Kansas City (2.95) is better, though Royals relievers have pitched the fewest innings in the league. The Twins bullpen has pitched 355 innings; only Toronto (365) has used its pen more. … The Twins have struck out 31 times in 14⅓ innings against Royals closer Greg Holland.

ROYALS UPDATE

The Royals have won six games in a row and eight of 10 since the All-Star break to even their record at 51-51. This is the first time since 2003 they have had a .500 or better record in July. They are seven games out of first place in the AL Central and five games out of a wild-card berth. … Shields is 5-2 with a 4.09 ERA in 12 career starts vs. the Twins. Kansas City's three scheduled starters are a combined 4-1 with a 3.20 ERA against the Twins this season. … With only 67 home runs, they are the only AL team without at least 90. … They have given up 400 runs, the fewest in the AL. But they have scored only 399, ranking 13th. … 2B Chris Getz (second) and SS Alcides Escobar (fourth) are both among the league leaders in sacrifice bunts.

PHIL MILLER