Twins-Texas series preview

Four-game series at Target Field

Monday, 6:40 p.m. • BSN, 830-AM: RHP Kenta Maeda (1-2, 6.56) vs. RHP Dane Dunning (1-1, 3.97)

Tuesday, 6:40 p.m. • BSN, 830-AM: LHP J.A. Happ (2-0, 1.96) vs. RHP Kyle Gibson (3-0, 2.16)

Wednesday, 6:40 p.m. • BSN Plus, 830-AM: TBA vs. TBA

Thursday, 12:10 p.m. • BSN, 830-AM: TBA vs. RHP Jordan Lyles (1-2, 7.39)

Twins update

They are 276-274 against the Rangers since they moved to Texas in 1972, but won six of seven in 2019, last time they met. … The Twins have never swept a four-game home series from Texas. … They are 1-6 against AL West teams this season. … They are 5-8 at home. … CF Byron Buxton is in the top three in batting average, slugging percentage and OPS. But when the AL Player of the Month is announced Monday, Buxton is likely to finish second behind Mike Trout, who leads the AL in all three. … Michael Pineda is the likely starter for Wednesday's game, but the Twins are making sure he's OK after being hit by a line drive on Friday. And Thursday is Matt Shoemaker's regular turn, but after allowing nine runs in 3 ⅓ innings Saturday, the Twins could give him an extra day, or insert Randy Dobnak into the rotation.

Rangers update

They split four games with Boston over the weekend, but remain in last place in the AL West. They are 6-7 on the road. … They have allowed more runs than any AL team but the Tigers and Angels. … RF Joey Gallo has walked 24 times this season and struck out 43, entering Sunday. Both figures lead the AL. … Kyle Gibson allowed five runs in one-third of an inning in his first start of 2021, but has allowed three earned runs in 33 innings (0.82 ERA) in five starts since, going 4-1. Gibson owns more wins (32) and more losses (36) at Target Field than any other pitcher. He went 67-68 in seven seasons with Minnesota. This will be his first appearance at Target Field since Sept. 19, 2019. … Chris Woodward is 113-138 in three seasons as the Rangers' manager.

Phil Miller