Tigers at Twins
The Minnesota Twins find themselves in the middle of a two-week span during which they should be able to create some separation in the American League Central, although they were unable to take advantage of their first opportunity in their last series. The Twins hope to rebound from a disappointing result earlier in the week beginning on Friday, when they host the Detroit Tigers for the opener of their three-game set.
Following last weekend's road sweep of Texas, Minnesota began a 13-game stretch that included home and road series against both the Chicago White Sox (six) and Detroit (seven) - two of the three teams at least 11 games below .500 in the division. The Twins, who own a 3 1/2-game lead in the Central, promptly dropped two of three at home to the White Sox, failing to take full advantage of the recent slide of their nearest competitor in the division (Cleveland). Minnesota has won six of its nine meetings this season with the Tigers, who are 2-5 as they enter the final leg of their 10-game trek against potential playoff teams. Detroit was able to halt its four-game skid with Wednesday's 2-1 win in Houston but lost 6-3 in the series finale to fall to 10-30 since the All-Star break.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Drew VerHagen (3-2, 6.67 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (10-6, 3.37)
VerHagen is set to return to the rotation for the first time since Aug. 6 and fourth this season after holding up well in his previous three appearances (one start) this month. The 28-year-old improved to 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in August after recording the win in relief at Tampa Bay last Friday, when he scattered three hits over five scoreless innings. VerHagen is 1-2 with a 6.59 ERA in his three starts this season but walked the only two Twins he faced in relief on April 13.
Berrios is fortunate to have lost only one of his three outings in August and owns an 8.44 ERA for the month after ending July with a 10-5 record and 2.80 ERA. The two-time All-Star escaped with a no-decision Saturday in Texas after being tagged for seven runs - three earned - on seven hits and three walks in 4 1/3 frames. Berrios improved to 4-1 despite posting a 6.25 ERA in eight career appearances (seven starts) versus the Tigers after holding them to two runs over 6 2/3 innings in a win on April 14.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Twins have notched at least one extra-base hit in 81 straight games - the fourth-longest streak in club history and the third-longest in a single season.
2. Detroit C-1B John Hicks' two-run homer on Thursday was only the second of his 10 shots that wasn't a solo blast.
3. Minnesota has won five of its last six road contests but dropped seven of its last nine at home.