Two veteran pitchers will try to show their strong opening outings were the start of bounce-back seasons when Angels ace Jered Weaver faces Twins right-hander Ricky Nolasco in the middle game of the weekend series on Saturday at Target Field.
Weaver is coming off his first losing season for the Angels, going 7-12 with a 4.64 ERA in 26 starts last season. The right-hander started his 2016 campaign with a win against Texas, logging six innings and giving up just one earned run.
Nolasco allowed just one run on three hits in seven innings against Kansas City, but ended up with a no-decision after the Twins' bullpen blew a lead. Nolasco is 11-14 with a 5.49 ERA for Minnesota since signing a four-year, $48 million contract before the 2014 season, and he held on to his rotation spot over Tyler Duffey despite a 5.71 spring ERA.
Things to know about this game
• Brian Dozier is expected back in the lineup for the Twins after Eduardo Nunez made the start at second base on Friday. Dozier is hitting .152 this season with one home run and one RBI.
• Brian Dozier is expected back in the lineup for the Twins after Eduardo Nunez made the start at second base on Friday. Dozier is hitting .152 this season with one home run and one RBI.
• With 584 career doubles, Angels slugger Albert Pujols is one shy of tying Rafael Palmeiro for the 18th all-time in Major League history.
• Left-handed reliever Ryan O'Rourke is expected to join Minnesota for Saturday's game after Fernando Abad was placed on the bereavement list.
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