Although the San Francisco Giants cooled down the Twins the last two days, Minnesota remains one of the hottest teams in baseball. A torrid June has seen Minnesota scratch and claw back into shouting distance in the AL Central, and had they gotten a timely hit or two yesterday, they would've taken 2 of 3 from the defending world champion San Francisco Giants.
But now it's on to Milwaukee, where the Twins will face a tough Brewers team, and even though the Brewers have lost 7 of thier last 10 games, they are tied for first in the NL Central with the St. Louis Cardinals.
For the Twins, they are getting healthy, as Joe Nathan will be activated and available for tonight's game, but there is no word from manager Ron Gardenhire whether or not Nathan will assume his role as the closer. The only thing Gardy would say is that Nathan will be available from the 6th inning on. Also expected to come off of the DL is Jim Thome, who has been out since early June, and should be available as a pinch hitter.
Getting the start for Minnesota is Scott Baker (5-4, 3.24 ERA), who has been the most consistent starter on the staff this year. He will be opposed by LHP Randy Wolf (5-4, 3.15 ERA). Baker faces a potent offense, led by big hitters Cecil Fielder and Ryan Braun, two of the biggest bats in the National League.
First pitch tonight is at 7:10 PM from Miller Park in Milwaukee.