The Tigers are aiming for another strong offensive performance as they face the Twins. Riley Greene sparked an early surge for Detroit in their last game, and his manager hopes for a repeat in Thursday’s series finale against Minnesota.
“It’s obviously awesome,” said Detroit manager A.J. Hinch after their 9-2 victory on Wednesday. “Because when he’s hot, we’re hot.”
Greene tripled, homered, and drove in two runs, contributing to the Tigers’ win. Additionally, Carson Kelly hit a grand slam, securing the lead for Detroit. The Tigers are seeking their first road series win since early June, when they won two out of three games against the Texas Rangers.
Detroit will rely on right-hander Kenta Maeda (2-4, 5.76 ERA) for his 15th start of the season. Maeda, who previously played for the Twins, aims to break a six-game winless streak. In his latest outing, he allowed two runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels.
Maeda has a strong record against Minnesota, boasting a 1-0 record with a 1.64 ERA in two starts.
Minnesota will counter with right-hander Bailey Ober (7-4, 4.30 ERA), making his 17th start of the season. Ober has struck out 92 batters in 88 innings and has won two of his last three starts. In his most recent game, he gave up one run on two hits over six innings against the Seattle Mariners.
Ober has a mixed record against Detroit, with a 2-2 record and a 4.21 ERA in nine starts, but he has excelled this season with a 1-0 record and a 0.75 ERA in two starts against the Tigers.
The game will also be the second major league appearance for Twins rookie Brooks Lee, who was recently promoted from Triple-A Saint Paul. Lee had an impressive debut, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli expressed pride in Lee’s performance. “He went out and got a couple of those things out of the way right away,” Baldelli said. “They don’t have to be on his mind anymore. He can move forward and play some baseball.
“It never gets old to watch young men achieve their dreams right before your eyes. Our sport is special in that regard. No one can really help you once you’re in the box. You have to fend for yourself and get it done. I’m really happy for him. He’s worked hard to get here, and he’s a good young player.”
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