Know Thine Enemy: Let's Go Tribe
After a disappointing 10-4 loss last night to the Cleveland Indians, the Twins look to bounce back tonight against the Indians. Even though Cleveland sits in last place in the AL Central, 15 games under .500, the Indians are on a five game winning streak and pounded out 20 hits last night against six Twins pitchers. After the game, Alex Burnett was optioned to Rochester and Anthony Slama's contract was purchased as he was added to the 40-man roster. Clay Condrey was moved to the 60 day DL to make room.
Kevin Slowey needs to man up out there. Last time out at home against the White Sox, he lasted only 3 innings, giving up 9 hits and 5 runs in an 8-7 loss. Kevin's problem is preventing hitters from making solid contact. Opponents are batting .302 off him, largely due to a 21.4% line drive rate. Kevin has also been hurt by a drop in his strikeout rate this year (6.30 SO/9 this year from 7.44 last year), which hurts someone who gives up so many line drives and fly balls. But he has a healthy home-away split in xFIP (4.36 vs 5.09), so hopefully tonight will be the start of a rebound.
Justin Masterson is a pitcher who has had results far worse than his peripherals would suggest. His 5.31 ERA is much higher than his solid 4.10 xFIP, largely due to a high .349 BABIP, which is about 80 points higher than his 15.1% line drive rate would suggest. A low 65.6% LOB% has also driven his ERA up. With a sidearm delivery, Masterson is very tough on right handers (9.06 SO/9), so expect the Twins to load up on lefties in the lineup tonight. He's also worse on the road (4.93 xFIP) than at home (3.38 xFIP), and the Twins pounded him for 10 hits and 4 runs in 7.2 innings in a 5-4 loss in Cleveland in early May.
Lineups will be posted after the jump when they are available.