Series preview: Twins vs. Detroit

Last update: July 2, 2009 - 11:26 PM

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THREE-GAME SERIES AT THE METRODOME

Today, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Kevin Slowey (10-3, 4.41 ERA) vs. LHP Luke French (0-0, 0.00)

Saturday, 3:10 p.m. • Ch. 9, 1500-AM

LHP Francisco Liriano (4-8, 5.62) vs. RHP Edwin Jackson (6-4, 2.49)

Sunday, 1:10 p.m. • Ch. 29, 1500-AM

RHP Nick Blackburn (6-4, 3.10) vs. RHP Rick Porcello (8-5,3.90)

TWINS UPDATE

Twins GM Bill Smith said Thursday that no further exams are planned for infielder Nick Punto, first baseman Justin Morneau or catcher Mike Redmond after they were injured Wednesday at Kansas City. Punto (stiff lower back) and Morneau (stiff left groin) are expected to be fine to play today. ... The Twins' pitching has warmed up with the weather. The staff ERA in April was 5.26. In May it was 4.43; in June, 3.31. The Twins continue to be stingy with walks, with a major league-best 218 allowed this season, 15 fewer than No. 2 St. Louis. ... Slowey is 3-0 with a 4.57 ERA in his career against Detroit. ... The Twins swept Detroit at the Metrodome in May, with Slowey, Jesse Crain (now in the minors) and Craig Breslow (now with Oakland) getting the victories.

TIGERS UPDATE

Beware of the lefthanders whom the Twins have never been seen before. French, an eighth-round pick in 2004, was 4-4 with a 2.98 ERA at Class AAA Toledo, including a June 21 victory over Rochester, the Twins' affiliate. In that game, French held the Red Wings to one run over eight innings and struck out 10. He throws a fastball, slider and changeup. ... The Tigers have five players on the disabled list, including infielder Carlos Guillen (shoulder) and lefthanders Nate Robertson (shoulder) and Dontrelle Willis (anxiety) ... Scouts at Porcello's last start noted that he hit 90 miles an hour only once and didn't have his good sinker. The 20-year-old has pitched 91/3 innings over his past two starts and won only two of six starts in June after going 5-0 in May.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III