video thumbnail

MIN@NYY: Marquis strikes out three over five frames

After a 7-6 loss to the Red Sox on Wednesday, Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson called a 20-minute meeting for all 13 pitchers and both catchers on the Minnesota roster.

"That was all suggested by Rick," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He wanted to take the pitchers in and I agreed with him. We talked after the ballgame about getting all the pitchers in there and talking about trusting your stuff. Sure there's scouting reports that say, 'This guy hits this better than this,' but a pitcher has to stay with his strengths. We've probably got some of our pitchers getting away from their strengths.

"If you're a fastball pitcher with a good sinker and you want to throw breaking ball, breaking ball, breaking ball, that's getting away from your strengths. We talked about staying with your strengths, trusting your stuff and getting the ball where you want it."

Carl Pavano wasn't able to turn the Minnesota starters' fortunes in Friday's 7-6 loss to the Royals. So now, it's up to Jason Marquis to break the trend, who will face off against Kansas City's Bruce Chen on Saturday. Marquis is 1-0 but sporting a 7.15 ERA.

Chen (0-2), on the other hand, is still looking for his first win. But the left-hander has a low 2.52 ERA, as his problem has been run support. Kansas City has scored one run or none in three of his four starts and hasn't plated more than four runs in any of his outings.

Twins: Mauer exhibiting durability

Joe Mauer has played every inning in every game this year, following an injury-riddled season in 2011 in which he played just 82 games.

"That's what I wanted," he said. "Obviously, I love to play this game, and I love to be out there whenever I can. This year, it's been pretty good."

Royals: Extend winning streak

• After snapping a 12-game losing streak Wednesday, the Royals have won three straight, including Friday's 7-6 win over the Twins.

• The Royals recalled outfielder Jarrod Dyson from Triple-A Omaha on Friday, sending down outfielder Jason Bourgeois. This is Dyson's second stint with Kansas City this year.

Worth noting

After Friday's loss to the Royals, the Twins are 4-5 in one-run games. The nine one-run contests are an American League high.

MLB.com Comments