The Twins will get a big test tonight, facing Oakland righthander Trevor Cahill, whose 2.56 ERA ranks second in the American League behind Boston's Taylor Buchholz (2.49).
Cahill has tossed at least eight innings in each of his past three starts and allowed ZERO earned runs. The 22-year-old blanked Texas for eight innings, tossed a three-hit shutout against Kansas City and then held Texas to two runs (zero earned) over eight innings last Sunday. Add one scoreless inning from Cahill's previous start, and he has now gone 26 innings without giving up an earned run.
And get this: Since allowing seven hits in his first start of the season, Cahill has allowed six hits or fewer in 19 consecutive starts.
The A's outhit the Twins 14-5 on Friday in a 4-3 loss. The A's went 2-for-20 with runners in scoring position. In other words, Oakland was one hit away from making it a different game. All four of the Twins' games against Oakland this season have been decided by one run.
Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire said he'd like to avoid using Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain and possibly even Matt Capps tonight. Jon Rauch, Ron Mahay, Glen Perkins and Jeff Manship are available.
The Twins are now targeting Tuesday as the day to activate Nick Punto (strained hamstring) from the DL. He'll work out Sunday, and a roster move could be announced after that game.
Gardenhire said J.J. Hardy (sore wrist) is available off the bench, but the Twins would like to let Hardy rest until Tuesday.
ATHLETICS (57-57)
