Twins Vs. Tigers: Minnesota Playing Spoiler, Trying To Avoid Worst Record

The Minnesota Twins have been out of the playoff race longer than almost everyone probably can remember, but wins are beginning to matter once again for Target Field's finest professional sports franchise. Not because they might be able to make the postseason, but rather to save face by not having the worst record in the American League this season.

The Twins will trot Sam Deduno out as Friday night's starting pitcher as they look to move out of a last-place tie with the Cleveland Indians heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. Both teams currently have 62-88 records after struggling throughout the season.

Detroit, the team the Twins are playing are playing on Friday night, is looking quite a bit better as they've won five of their last seven games to improve to 79-70 this season. They currently trail the Chicago White Sox by two games, however, meaning this weekend's series is just as important for the Tigers as it is for the tied-for-last-place Twins -- OK, maybe a bit moreso. Right-hander Rick Porcello (9-12, 4.57 ERA) will take the mound for Detroit.

The game is set for a 6:05 p.m. CT start at Comerica Park.

Visit Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and make sure to check out Twinkie Town for more on the Twins. Also head over to Baseball Nation for even more MLB news and analysis.