Monday, 7:10 p.m. FSN, 96.3-FM
RHP Tyler Duffey (6-8, 6.21) vs. RHP Collin McHugh (7-8, 4.73)
Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. FSN, 96.3-FM
LHP Hector Santiago (4-9, 3.66) vs. RHP Mike Fiers (7-5, 4.34)
Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. FSN, 96.3-FM
RHP Ervin Santana (4-9, 3.66) vs. LHP Dallas Keuchel (7-11, 4.56)
Thursday, 12:10 p.m. FSN, 96.3-FM
RHP Jose Berrios (2-1, 8.57) vs. RHP Doug Fister (10-7, 3.47)
TWINS UPDATE
They have won eight of their past 11 games but still own the worst record in the American League. … They are 23-32 at home but have won three of their past four games at Target Field. … They are 23-18 all-time vs. the Astros, 6-3 at Target Field. … They have lost the season series to Houston only twice, in 1999 and 2009, both 2-1. … They lost two of three games in Houston in May, and were outscored 24-14. Their 16-4 loss on May 4 is the most lopsided loss of their season. … OF Robbie Grossman, who played 190 games for the Astros the past three seasons, will be facing his former team for the first time. … 1B Joe Mauer ranks third in the AL in walks, and sixth in on-base percentage. He needs one home run to reach double figures for the sixth time in his career. … Brian Dozier leads the team in doubles, triples, home runs and RBI and is third in hits and fourth in stolen bases. … Closer Brandon Kintzler got his ninth save on Sunday and his first since July 23.
ASTROS UPDATE
They have lost 10 of their past 13 games, dropping them four games out of the final playoff spot in the American League. … They are 23-28 on the road, and have lost five of their last six away from home. … They followed up a terrible 7-17 start in April by posting a winning record in May, June and July. … They are 12-13 against AL Central teams. … Keuchel pitched a three-hit shutout in his last start. But the reigning Cy Young winner's ERA has not dropped below 4.50 since April. … Second baseman Jose Altuve leads the AL batting race by more than 35 points, and also leads the league in hits and times on base. He's second in the league in on-base percentage, and third in slugging. … Former Twin Carlos Gomez is batting .212 with five home runs and 12 stolen bases. … Former Twin and Twin Cities native Pat Neshek has allowed one run over his last 14 appearances. … Closer Will Harris has 11 saves since replacing injured Luke Gregorson, but has blown his last two save opportunities.
PHIL MILLER
