Angels at Twins
Still in search of their first win, the Minnesota Twins have scored just six runs on 20 hits in their first four games. Their struggling offense faces another stiff challenge against Los Angeles Angels’ ace Jered Weaver, who is 5-2 with a 3.90 ERA in 10 career starts against Minnesota.
While the Twins’ .165 team batting average has some in Minnesota in panic mode, new arrival Josh Willingham is off to a good start with two homers and four RBIs. The Angels' Vernon Wells has opened the season 2-for-14 with no walks and five strikeouts, and the team could recall top prospect Mike Trout from Triple-A Salt Lake if his struggles continue. Trout is hitting .500 (10-for-20) over his first five games at Salt Lake.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSW (Los Angeles), FSN (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jered Weaver (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Twins RH Carl Pavano (0-1, 5.14 ERA)
Weaver pitched eight shutout innings, allowing four hits with 10 strikeouts, during last Friday’s 5-0 win over the Royals. Weaver, who won 18 games last season, became just the third pitcher in Angels history to record at least 10 strikeouts on opening day. Justin Morneau is 4-for-21 (.190) against Weaver, while Joe Mauer is 6-for-19 (.316).
Pavano, who gave up four runs over seven innings against Baltimore last Friday, is 4-2 with a 4.31 ERA in seven career starts against the Angels. He had a 3.01 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in his 15 starts at Target Field last season. Bobby Abreu is 20-for-59 (.339) with two home runs against Pavano.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Angels are 60-46 against Minnesota since 2000 and their 348 all-time wins against the Twins are most against any opponent.
2. The Twins are the third major-league team in the past 40 years to begin a season with four consecutive losses while scoring two or fewer runs in each game.
3. Angels reliever Michael Kohn will receive a second opinion on his right forearm strain from surgeon Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday.