News
Baker a stabilizing presence for Twins
Minnesota (67-67) at Cleveland (59-75), 3:10 p.m. CT
By Matt ODonnell / MLB.com
09/04/09 10:53 PM ET
CLEVELAND -- The Twins' starting rotation has been better of late. And Scott Baker is a big reason why. Baker struggled early this season, but he has since helped to stabilize an injury-ridden rotation. He hasn't lost a game in almost two months and has been the surging Twins' ace. "I'd hate to see where we'd be without Bake," pitching coach Rick Anderson said. "People like to talk about his age. But I told him the other day, 'You're getting to be the veteran of the staff, and you're pitching like it.'" The Twins' rotation was in shambles after losing starters Glen Perkins, Kevin Slowey and Francisco Liriano to injuries throughout the season. That caused Minnesota, trying to contend for a playoff spot, to dip into the Minors for help. But instead of becoming a weak spot for the team, the starting rotation has been one of the Twins' biggest strengths during their push for the playoffs. Going into Friday, Minnesota starters had gone 5-2 with a 2.82 ERA in the past 12 games. The Twins were 9-3 during that stretch and had gotten within five games of the division-leading Tigers. "It's kind of a contagious thing," Baker said. "There is something about when a guy goes out and pitches well. It just gives everyone a lift." Baker has certainly given his team a lift. After starting the season on the disabled list with a stiff shoulder, Baker fell behind. As a result, he was roughed up as he tried to makeup for lost time. But he gradually built up his confidence and the results have shown. Baker has not lost in his past 10 starts, which includes four no-decisions, and the Twins are 8-2 in those games. Baker said it's the best stretch of his career. But he can't point to one individual reason for his turnaround. "I have the same approach and the same attitude," Baker said. "Sometimes it works out better than others." More often than not, it's turned out well for the Twins."He's been the ace of the staff," Anderson said. "Our players know when he's in, he's going to give them a chance to win."
Pitching matchupMIN: RHP Scott Baker (12-7, 4.44 ERA)
In Baker's most recent outing, he limited Texas to three runs on six hits through seven innings, although he didn't factor into the decision in a 5-3 Minnesota victory. He's 3-0 against Cleveland this season, with his best outing of the year -- a two-hit shutout -- coming against the Indians on Aug. 14. CLE: RHP Justin Masterson (4-6, 4.57 ERA)
In his sixth outing and fifth start since coming over from the Red Sox in a non-waiver Trade Deadline deal for catcher Victor Martinez, Masterson pitched well enough to keep earning manager Eric Wedge's confidence in the righty's rotation spot through September. Masterson allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings against Baltimore on Sunday, striking out six. That last stat tied a season high for him in 37 outings. It marked the third consecutive time that the reliever-turned-starter has gone more than five innings as the club continues to evaluate his role for next season. Tidbits
Liriano felt good after a bullpen session Friday and will pitch another bullpen session Sunday. If that goes well, he will pitch a light simulated game Tuesday, according to manager Ron Gardenhire. Liriano could be added to the bullpen shortly after that. ... Joe Crede, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 22 with a lower back strain, will hit off a tee and field during batting practice in the next few days. If he feels well, Crede will take part in a simulated game Tuesday in Toronto.... Jose Morales has collected a pinch-hit in each of his past three plate appearances and is 5-for-11 on the season as a pinch-hitter. Tickets
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• Sunday: Twins (Nick Blackburn, 9-9, 4.16) at Indians (David Huff, 8-7, 6.57), 12:05 p.m. CT
• Monday: Twins (Jeff Manship, 0-0, 3.75) at Blue Jays (Scott Richmond, 6-8, 4.53), 12:07 p.m. CT
• Tuesday: Twins (Brian Duensing, 2-1, 3.81) at Blue Jays (TBD), 6:07 p.m. CT
Matt O'Donnell is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
