Since winning five in six games to kick off the season, the Minnesota Twins (+6,600) have gone on a tailspin as they head into this outing as losers of back-to-back contests and nine of their previous 12 games.
Their most recent setback was against Detroit on Sunday, during which the Twins allowed a season-high of 13 runs scored while managing only four for themselves. They have to improve on those areas with Phil Hughes (2-1, 5.40 ERA) stepping on the mound.
Hughes yielded six runs on eight hits—including a homer—in what was a very brief stint against the Indians last week. Meanwhile, the Twins hope for some fireworks at the plate from Robbie Grossman, who’s having a hot month of April (.311/.475/.467).
The Texas Rangers (+3,000) are looking to build upon their four-game sweep of the Royals—a series where third baseman Joey Gallo continued hitting long bombs. Half of his team-leading six home runs this season came there, including a 422-foot homer in Sunday’s 5-2 victory.
Other than Gallo, Nomar Mazara and Robinson Chirinos can also swing for the fences. Both have four dingers apiece, while the latter has been heating up lately with three homers and three RBIs in his last two contests. Texas currently ranks third in the majors with a total of 26 home runs.
Toeing the rubber is Martin Perez (1-2, 3.60 ERA), who is coming off a rough performance in his previous start. He gave up four runs in 3 2/3 innings in a 9-1 loss to Oakland last Wednesday. Perez plays better in Arlington, though, going 12-5 with a 3.36 ERA in his last 26 starts.
