Tigers at Twins
The Minnesota Twins attempt to clinch just their second full series win at home this season when they host the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday for the second contest of their three-game set. Minnesota, which took two of three from Houston at Target Field from April 9-11, improved to 3-4 on its nine-game homestand with a 4-2 triumph in Monday's series opener.
After Max Kepler forged a 2-2 tie with a two-run double in the fifth inning, the Twins used a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly in the eighth to put themselves in position to end an 0-3-1 slide in home series not abbreviated by inclement weather. Kepler has been producing of late as he enters Tuesday with seven RBIs in his last five contests. Detroit managed only three hits as it suffered its fourth consecutive loss after beginning its seven-game road trip with a victory in Seattle. Nicholas Castellanos provided the offense for the Tigers on Monday, belting a solo homer and adding an RBI single for his second straight two-hit performance and third in five games.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (2-3, 3.19 ERA) vs. Twins RH Lance Lynn (1-4, 7.47)
A native of Washington, Boyd has made each of his last two starts against the team from his home state. The 27-year-old defeated the Mariners at home on May 12, allowing three runs and three hits in six innings, before settling for a no-decision in Seattle on Thursday after giving up two runs and six hits over six frames. Boyd has made 11 career starts versus Minnesota, going 5-2 with a 3.98 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 63 1/3 innings.
Lynn is coming off his shortest outing of the season, a three-inning effort against his former St. Louis club in which he took the loss after yielding three runs on four hits and four walks. The 31-year-old native of Indiana has struggled with his control this year, issuing at least four free passes in five of his eight turns. Lynn has surrendered six runs and 15 hits over 12 1/3 innings while going 1-1 in two career starts versus Detroit.
WALK-OFFS
1. Twins RHP Ervin Santana (finger) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Chattanooga on Wednesday after his scheduled start in extended spring training on Monday was rained out.
2. Detroit 1B Miguel Cabrera (hamstring), who is on the 10-day disabled list, took batting practice Monday but has yet to run the bases or do agility work.
3. Minnesota 3B Miguel Sano (hamstring) is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester and is likely to rejoin the club for its road trip that begins Friday in Seattle.