Twins-Detroit series preview

LHP Tommy Milone (2-0, 3.38) vs. LHP David Price (1-1, 3.28)

RHP Mike Pelfrey (1-0, 2.65) vs. RHP Anibal Sanchez (1-2, 5.96)

RHP Phil Hughes (0-4, 4.39) vs. Shane Greene (3-1, 3.00)

Cleveland spent the weekend trying to pitch Detroit hitters hard inside. Victor Martinez was plunked Friday and nearly plunked again Saturday. It's something pitching coach Neil Allen strongly advocates to his pitchers, and something to watch for this series. … With their win Sunday in Seattle, the Twins are 2-0 in extra-inning games. … Twins starters are on a nice run, posting a 3.15 ERA over their past 11 starts. Remember, through seven games the starters were 1-5, 6.87. … Third baseman Trevor Plouffe has reached base in eight straight games, batting .333 during that run. … Brian Dozier is just 1-for-17 in his career against Anibal Sanchez.

The Tigers have stormed to the top of the division standings behind improved defense and the efforts of young starters Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene. Rajai Davis and Anthony Gose have formed an effective platoon in center field, and Jose Iglesias is healthy and a slick fielder at short. The Tigers might be a little shorthanded this series because Davis is nursing a sore hamstring. … Detroit opened the season at home against the Twins and swept the three-game series. … Justin Verlander (shoulder) is on the trip but hasn't pitched since April 15. He's not supposed to throw again until all the soreness is gone from the shoulder, but he's on the trip in anticipation of that happening soon.