First Pitch: 6:10pm CDT
TV: FS-N
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Royals Review
Hochevar certainly didn't deserve the win last week, but he got it anyway thanks to some solid relief pitching at the end of the game and the Twins' inability to take advantage of an overdose of base runners. If the Twins find themselves in a similar situation today, you can bet a couple of those guys will be pressing to make up for their shortcomings six days ago. However, if Hochevar can stop doling out walks then it could become anothe interesting ballgame.
There's some concern as to exactly how healthy Blackburn is right now. He's not an extreme ground-ball pitcher but he does get his share, especially on this staff, so seeing that he's already given up six homers in just three starts is a little disconcerting. He has said that he's pitched through pain similar to this in the past ("throbbing in his arm"), but it's worth keeping an eye on. If he gets lit up again today or if he isn't feeling right, don't be surprised if Brian Duensing makes another appearance.