Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins: Game Time, TV/Radio Schedule, Lineup

Apr 26, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop

(27) forces out Minnesota Twins first baseman

(20) at second base and throws the ball to first base for a double play in the fifth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers look to win a series on the road in today’s rubber match with the Minnesota Twins. The Twinkies currently stand in second place in the AL Central, just one game back of the Tigers.

Detroit Tigers (12-9) at Minnesota Twins (12-11) – 2:10 P.M. 

Target Field – Minneapolis, MN

TV: FSD

Radio: 97.1 FM The Ticket (click for radio affiliates)

Weather: 44 degrees,  chance of rain

When We Last Met

The Tigers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on Saturday afternoon, but the lead wouldn’t stick. Starter Anibal Sanchez had to leave the game after just 2.2 innings due to a blister on a finger on his throwing hand, and the bullpen would go on to allow five runs over the final 6.1 innings and Detroit would lose, 5-3.

Pitching Matchup

Kyle Gibson has gotten great results for the Twins through his first four starts. His ERA and FIP are both in the mid-threes, but he’s been getting there in an interesting way. So far he’s struck out fewer than 5.5 batter per nine innings and walked nearly 4.5. That’s not a good ratio, but he hasn’t yet allowed a homer so all the balls in play and free passes haven’t really come back to bite him. Gibson’s xFIP stands at 4.70, so he could see some regression backward if fly balls start leaving the yard off of him.

Justin Verlander will go for the Tigers this afternoon. He’s gotten vintage Verlander results to-date — a 2.18 ERA and 2.94 FIP — but he’s done that with somewhat different peripherals overall. He’s strikeout rate is still low after a slow first couple of game (7.4 K/9) even though they’ve been on-par for him in recent starts, but he’s been ultra-stingy with the home run ball, allowing just one in his 33 innings so far.

Tigers Lineup

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Torii Hunter, RF
3. Miguel Cabrera, DH
4. Victor Martinez, 1B
5. Austin Jackson, CF
6. Don Kelly, 3B
7. J.D. Martinez, LF
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Andrew Romine, SS

Injuries

Tigers:

• Alex Avila-Day to Day
• Anibal Sanchez – 15-day DL
• Luke Putkonen – 15-day DL
• Andy Dirks – 60-day DL
• Jose Iglesias – 60-day DL
• Bruce Rondon – 60-day DL

Twins:

• Josh Willingham – 15-day DL
• Oswaldo Arcia – 15-day DL