Twins, Astros resume series with Dylan Bundy facing Framber Valdez

HOUSTON — There's not much in the way of good news for the Twins.

After All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton went on the injured list Tuesday, the Twins lost their fourth straight game with a conflict-filled 4-2 loss to the Astros.

And first place Cleveland won in San Diego Wednesday afternoon to move 3 1/2 games ahead of the second place Twins in the American League Central.

Tonight the Twins face Astros lefthander Framber Valdez (12-4, 2.72 ERA) at Minute Maid Park (7:10 p.m., BSN). Righthander Dylan Bundy (7-5, 4.60) is starting for the Twins.

The Astros have the best record (79-45) in the American League.

The Twins put righthander Cole Sands, who was struck with a liner on Tuesday, on the 15-day injured list because of a bruised pitching elbow. Devin Smeltzer was recalled from St. Paul.

TWINS LINEUP

Carlos Correa, SS

Jose Miranda, 1B

Gio Urshela, 3B

Luis Arraez, DH

Gilberto Celestino, CF

Max Kepler, RF

Sandy Leon, C

ASTROS LINEUP

Jose Altuve, 2B

Yuli Gurriel, 1B

Alex Bregman, 3B

Kyle Tucker, RF

Trey Mancini, LF

Jeremy Pena, SS

Chas McCormick, CF