Pregame
From MLB.com's scouting report:
Twins: Baker continues to be the unfortunate recipient of some bad breaks. Although he allowed just one run on two hits over eight innings against Texas, Baker picked up the loss in a 1-0 defeat. Baker has delivered 10 quality starts in the 15 games he's pitched this season. His consistent performance has him emerging as the true ace of this young Twins staff. In his next start, he'll try to see if his offense can have better luck while he's facing the Indians. Baker is 0-1 vs. Cleveland this season, despite having allowed just one earned run in each of his two starts against the club.
Indians: Carmona will rejoin the Indians' rotation after missing two months with a left hip strain suffered May 23 against the Rangers. He made two rehab starts with Class A Lake County and Double-A Akron and has had no physical problems after a brief setback in late June. The Indians hope Carmona's return will see him return to his form of 2007, when he won 19 games. He was struggling with his command before getting hurt, walking 38 batters in 58 innings. Carmona was 3-1 with a 1.45 ERA in four starts against the Twins last year.
Personally, the bad breaks Scott Baker has been privy to don't bother me. He's been a stellar performer this season, and I'm looking to him to put a halt to this streak of losses. If he can avoid the home run, the Twins should stay in the game.
Speaking of home runs, unless Fausto Carmona is still rusty from his time off, chances are that the Twins won't be hitting one off of him tonight. The Minnesota offense will need to string together hits, and be patient enough to work a few walks, because they'll get their opportunities.
It'll be interesting to note how the managers fill out their lineup cards tonight, since both Carlos Gomez and Casey Blake won't be in the lineup. I'll see you shortly for the game!