Twins-Cleveland series preview

RHP Mike Pelfrey (2-0, 2.63 ERA) vs. RHP Trevor Bauer (2-0, 3.38)

RHP Phil Hughes (1-4, 5.02) vs. LHP Bruce Chen (0-0, 0.00)

RHP Trevor May (2-2, 4.15) vs. RHP Danny Salazar (3-1, 3.81)

This is the first stop on a six-game road trip to Cleveland and then Detroit. The Twins were 4-6 at Progressive Field last season. … The Twins took two of three from Cleveland at Target Field in April, holding the Indians to eight runs in the series. … Pelfrey has opened eyes at times but his last start wasn't one of them, as he hit three White Sox batters, two with the bases loaded, and had to leave in the fourth inning. But his ERA is the lowest of all Twins starters. … If there is one area manager Paul Molitor wants to see improvement in it is the running game. The Twins entered Thursday 9-for-18 in steal attempts. Molitor said that it is unacceptable and needs to be addressed. OF Shane Robinson followed through in the 6-5 victory over Oakland, stealing third and then scoring on a sacrifice fly. … 3B Trevor Plouffe has reached base in 19 consecutive games.

Some picked Cleveland to win the AL Central, but so far the team has been a disappointment. Players have been benched and there has been at least one team meeting in an attempt to get things back on track. … Yes, that is Bruce Chen starting Saturday. The Indians signed him to a minor league deal before spring training and called him up for this start when T.J. House landed on the disabled list. Chen, 37, has played with the Royals, Rangers, Orioles, Red Sox, Astros, Reds, Expos, Mets, Phillies and Braves in 16 seasons. … RHP Zach McCallister has a 1.80 ERA since being moved to the bullpen, and his fastball is averaging 95.5 miles an hour. … OF Michael Bourn lost his leadoff spot earlier this season and on Tuesday learned that he was being benched against lefthanders. Batting .189 against them dictated such moves.