Michael Pineda starts as Twins meet Tigers in all-too-familiar series

The Twins are mired in last place in the American League Central entering a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers.

Michael Pineda starts the first game today at Target Field (7:10 p.m., BSN) against Detroit righthander Matt Manning.

The Twins lost three of four to the Angels over the weekend, and also traded Nelson Cruz to the Rays, so the dog days of August have come a bit early for the local nine.

Getting Byron Buxton signed to a long-term deal appears to be on shaky footing with Friday's trade deadline fast approaching, and Rand and Reusse had some thoughts on that this morning.

The Twins are 17 ½ behind the first place White Sox and 4½ in back of the third-place Tigers.

Pineda is 4-5 with a 3.93 ERA, while Manning is 2-3 with a 5.79 ERA.

TIGERS LINEUP

Akil Baddoo, LF

Jonathan Schoop, 1B

Miguel Cabrera, DH

Jeimer Candelario, 3B

Eric Haase, C

Harold Castro, SS

Willi Castro, 2B

Victor Reyes, RF

Derek Hill, CF

TWINS LINEUP

Max Kepler, RF

Brent Rooker, DH

Jorge Polanco, 2B

Josh Donaldson, 3B

Mitch Garver, C

Trevor Larnach, LF

Miguel Sano, 1B

Jake Cave, CF

Andrelton Simmons, SS