CHICAGO -- Offense has been the biggest issue for the Twins and White Sox, heading into their first meeting of the season, tonight at U.S. Cellular Field.
The White Sox scored fewer than six in 10 consecutive games before defeating Baltimore 6-2 on Monday. The Twins, of course, have scored six or more runs just once in 27 games.
Tonight offers a showdown between two occasionally dominant pitchers who've had their recent struggles: Chicago's Edwin Jackson is 0-3 with an 8.44 ERA in his past four starts and has allowed 34 hits in 21 1/3 innings. Francisco Liriano is 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA for the season.
The Twins might be trying to underplay this, but with Kevin Slowey ready to start by this weekend, I can't see Liriano getting another start if he repeats his struggles again tonight. Liriano had a hard time in the cold at Target Field last Wednesday against Tampa Bay, and tonight's forecast calls for temperatures in the low-40s.
Note: The Twins announced a make-up date for their April 22 rainout against Cleveland. That game will be played on July 18 at 12:10 p.m., as part of a day-night doubleheader at Target Field.
Update: Alexi Casilla is playing second base, and Matt Tolbert is at shortstop.
* The Twins say Joe Mauer is feeling stronger and will begin hitting and throwing at Target Field on Wednesday.
* Manager Ron Gardenhire gave strong hints that Trevor Plouffe will be promoted soon from Class AAA Rochester. Gardenhire said he wants Tsuyoshi Nishioka fielding balls at shortstop, but it sounds like Plouffe would play shortstop until Nishioka is ready.
