Series preview: Twins vs. Kansas City
Friday, 7:10 p.m.: BSN Plus, 830-AM: LHP Kris Bubic (0-0, 1.52 ERA) vs. RHP Randy Dobnak (1-3, 5.75)
Saturday, 1:10 p.m.: BSN, 830-AM: TBA vs. LHP J.A. Happ (2-2, 5.44)
Sunday, 1:10 p.m.: BSN, 830-AM: RHP Brad Keller (4-4, 5.72) vs. RHP Matt Shoemaker (2-5, 5.48)
Twins update
Twins have homered in 12 consecutive home games and are fifth in MLB with 68 this season. … Since April 21, they lead the majors with 54 HRs. … Four straight victories is a season high for the Twins, who are 10-15 at home and 9-11 vs. the AL Central. … They are 0-14 when trailing after eight innings … They are 22nd in MLB in team ERA (4.55) and 24th in strikeouts. … RHP Kenta Maeda (groin) will miss his start after going on the 10-day injured list. IF-OF Luis Arraez (shoulder) and CF Byron Buxton (hip) are also on the IL.
Royals update
2B Whit Merrifield has played in 356 consecutive games, the longest active streak in baseball. He has played six positions during the streak, which started June 25, 2018, and is 65 shy of Alcides Escobar's team record of 421 (2015-18). … The Royals have held opponents to four runs or fewer in 11 of their past 15 games. … On Sunday, Bubic gave up two runs in the first inning vs. Detroit, ending a scoreless streak at 17⅔ innings. He has yet to allow a run in a night game (11⅔ innings). … IF Hunter Dozier (concussion) and LHP Danny Duffy (flexor strain) are on the injured list. … KC is 11-12 in road games.
Chris Miller
about the writer
Gerrit Cole gave up his opt-out right on Monday and will remain with the New York Yankees under a contract that runs through 2028 rather than become a free agent.