twins at cleveland

series preview

THREE-GAME SERIES AT progressive FIELD

2 p.m. Friday • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Mike Pelfrey (13-11, 3.70 in 2013) vs. RHP Danny Salazar (2-3, 3.12 in 2013)

Noon Saturday • Fox Sports One, 96.3-FM

RHP Kyle Gibson (9-13, 4.18) vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco (1-4, 6.75)

Noon Sunday • FSN, 96.3-FM

RHP Ricky Nolasco (0-1, 7.50 in 2014) vs. RHP Justin Masterson (0-0, 0.00 in 2014)

TWINS UPDATE

The Twins have lost six straight games to the Indians and eight of their last nine. They were 3-6 in Cleveland last year. ... Mike Pelfrey is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA against the Indians in three career starts and has never allowed a home run against them. Kyle Gibson allowed three runs over 5â…“ innings in his only start against Cleveland, and Ricky Nolasco has never faced the Indians. ... Joe Mauer needs five doubles to tie Justin Morneau for fifth in franchise history; Mauer has 282. ... Manager Ron Gardenhire is one victory short of 1,000 for his career, a milestone only five current managers have reached.

INDIANS UPDATE

They shut out the A's on Opening Night, then split a doubleheader Wednesday in Oakland to open the season 2-1. Friday is their home opener. ... They held the Twins to three runs or fewer in 11 of their 19 meeting last season. ... They improved from 68 to 92 victories in 2013, the largest jump in franchise history. ... Like the Twins, they moved their catcher to the infield. Carlos Santana has played third base twice this season and caught once. ... With former closer Chris Perez now a Dodger, former Brewer and Cardinal John Axford has taken over the role, and has saved both of Cleveland's wins this season. ... Terry Francona has a 1,122-986 record in his 14th season as a manager. He is 94-71 with Cleveland.

PHIL MILLER