Matt Shoemaker starts as Twins open three-game series with Athletics

The Twins, last in the American League Central, and the A's, who lead the West, start a three-game series tonight (7:10 p.m., BSN) at Target Field.

Righthander Frankie Montas (4-2, 5.50 ERA) pitches for Oakland against Twins righty Matt Shoemaker (2-3, 6.43).

Byron Buxton and Alex Kirilloff, on the 10-day injured list for the Twins, were working out before the game on the field. The team also said it has reached 85 percent vaccination status, meaning some MLB regulations can be loosened. They won't need masks in the dugout any more.

Masks aren't required in the stands anymore either.

OAKLAND LINEUP

Ramón Laureano, CF

Mitch Moreland, DH

Matt Olson, 1B

Matt Chapman, 3B

Stephen Piscotty, RF

Seth Brown, LF

Sean Murphy, C

TWINS LINEUP

Luis Arraez, LF

Josh Donaldson, 3B

Jorge Polanco, 2B

Nelson Cruz, DH

Willians Astudillo, 1B

Max Kepler, CF

Andrelton Simmons, SS