MLB Betting Odds: Rangers visit Twins

The Rangers expect Ian Kinsler to return to the lineup Friday night.

NOTE: Twins pitcher Nick Blackburn, scheduled to start this game, was used in relief in their 13-inning loss to the Tigers on Thursday.  Minnesota had still not named a starting pitcher to replace Blackburn as of Friday morning.

A weekend series in Minneapolis should have a playoff atmosphere when division leaders battle at Target Field.  The Minnesota Twins entered Thursday action four games up on the ChiSox in the AL Central while the Texas Rangers arrive in town Friday with at least a nine-game lead in the West.

The series is a rematch of the four-game set played in Texas last week.  The Rangers took three of four from the Twins to help make up for being swept three straight at Target Field in late May.

Friday's series opener finds Texas southpaw Derek Holland (2-3, 4.76) making just his sixth start of the season.  He will face Nick Blackburn (11-9, 6.02) who is making his third start since a stint in the minors.

A lot has changed for the Rangers since they were broomed out of Minneapolis on May 30.  Texas was a half-game behind the A's in the AL West at that time and just two games above .500.  They Rangers have since gone 49-34 to open up the most comfortable lead atop any division.  Only a total collapse on their part could keep them from their first postseason appearance since 1999.

The Twins completed that May sweep by jumping on Holland in the opening frame of the series finale on May 30.  Holland, a 125 underdog to Scott Baker and Minnesota that evening, faced just nine batters and failed to get an out in the second inning as the Twins opened a three-zip lead on their way to a 6-3 triumph.

Holland found his way back to Triple-A right after that start before being recalled in mid-August.  He's taking the place of Rich Harden in Texas' rotation, with the oft-injured Harden now a member of the Rangers bullpen.

Minnesota still had to finish its series with the Tigers on Thursday before taking on the Rangers.  The Twins, with Baker on the mound opposite Detroit ace Justin Verlander, were listed as slight 115 MLB money line favorites.

Like Holland, Blackburn is also on the comeback trail after spending time at Triple-A Rochester where he made four starts.  The right-hander was optioned down in late-July when his ERA stood at an ominous 6.66 through 18 starts and a relief outing.  He was recalled when Kevin Slowey hit the DL on Aug 20 with a strained triceps muscle.

Blackburn's slot in the rotation didn't come up when the two teams met here in May.  His first start back from the minors was about 10 days ago in Texas when the Rangers blanked the Twins, 4-0, as 125-140 chalk.   Blackburn worked seven and allowed three of the Rangers runs, striking out five and walking none.

The Twins are still without slugger and former MVP Justin Morneau who is having a tough time returning from a concussion suffered in early July.  Minnesota could get Nick Punto back this weekend, however, after the utility player has finished rehabbing his injured hammy.

Texas will reportedly have Ian Kinsler back in their lineup for this series.  The All-Star second sacker has been out since late-July with a groin injury.

Friday's early forecast for the Twin Cities calls for partly cloudy skies, cooler temps and a chance for some strong NW gusts in the 20-30 mph range (3B line out to RF).  Expect a first-pitch temp in the low-60s before dropping into the 50s.

The series continues this weekend with Texas scheduled to send Colby Lewis (11-15, 3.56) and C.J. Wilson (16-11, 3.52) to the mound on Saturday and Sunday respectively.  Minnesota will counter with Carl Pavano (21-6, 2.88) and Brian Duensing (5-3, 2.04).

NOTE: W-L records displayed for starting pitchers are team records in games the pitchers start.