Kyle Gibson returns to the mound as the Minnesota Twins look to
extend their winning streak to four games and go for their third
sweep of the season when they face the Tigers on Wednesday
afternoon at Target Field.
Twins Pitcher Kyle Gibson
Gibson was roughed up his last time out. He gave up five runs on
eight hits and four walks with a pair of home runs and struck out
five in an 8-3 loss Friday.
“Unfortunately the home runs got to me,” Gibson said after
Milwaukee bumped his ERA from 3.43 to 3.96. “I’ve been doing a
better job this year trying to avoid those and keep the ball in the
park, and the story of the night is home runs and walks.”
Gibson is 6-7 with a 5.59 ERA in 16 starts versus Detroit.
The Twins have been active on the transaction wire over the last 24
hours. They signed 31-year-old first baseman Chris Carter in a deal
with the Angels on Tuesday night, assigning him to Triple-A
Rochester. Earlier in the day, recalled outfielder Ryan LaMarre
from Rochester after designating right-hander Phil Hughes for
assignment.
Hughes had a 6.75 ERA through 12 innings this season. He began the
year in the starting rotation but was moved to the bullpen after
two unimpressive starts as he struggled to recover from rib surgery.
“He’s worked really hard. He’s been through a lot physically. He’s
had to endure a lot of rehabs. We probably saw him at his best his
first year over here. It’s been a tough road for him since then,”
manager Paul Molitor said. “I thanked him for the effort that he’s
given me and the times he’s taken the ball, and I hope something
happens in a positive fashion for him moving forward.”
The Tigers are hoping that right-hander Michael Fulmer (1-3, 4.35)
reverts to form against the Twins, who have never beaten him in
three career meetings.
He’s allowed nine earned runs over 10 2/3 innings in his last two
starts, both of which came against the Mariners.
Fulmer got off to a good start his last time out, allowing only two
baserunners over his first six innings, but walked two batters to
open the seventh and was done after allowing a two-run single later
in the inning.
“I just can’t seem to figure it out right now,” Fulmer said. “All
the work I’ve put in, you see glimpses of it and it just falls
apart. (That) loss is on me, for sure, because you can’t walk two
guys in an inning — leadoff guys. I was the one that started the
rally. Just happens another ground ball got through the middle.
Just frustrates you.”
He’s put in extra effort during his between-starts bullpen
sessions, hoping to straighten out any kinks in his delivery.
“Usually by now I would have shaved my beard or got a haircut, or
something,” Fulmer said. “But I can’t really be frustrated because
I feel like my stuff is still there. I know it is. The ball is
moving the way I want it to. I’m just not commanding the ball in
the zone the way I want to.
“I know I can do it. It’s just a matter of time. It only takes one
good outing.”