Rain and chilly weather Thursday pushed the opener of a four-game series in Detroit between the Tigers and defending AL Central champion Twins back one day.
There is more rain in the forecast Friday, which could further dent plans for Detroit kick-starting an eight-game homestand that includes four games with the Rangers.
Thursday’s game was pushed to Saturday as part of a straight doubleheader with the first game starting at 1:10 p.m. and the second game starting approximately 40 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1.
Last season, the Tigers compiled a 35-17 record against the Twins, Guardians, Royals and White Sox while finishing in second place in the AL Central. The Tigers began this season with a three-game road sweep of the White Sox.
“Every game’s important, especially against a good team in the division. But we’re not really looking at it like that,” Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson said. “There’s always an emphasis to win every single day.”
Detroit won back-to-back rest days due to the rain. The Tigers had a scheduled off day Wednesday after ending a three-game skid with a 5-3 road victory over the Pirates on Tuesday. Minnesota snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating the Dodgers 3-2 Wednesday in Minneapolis.
The Twins have struggled on offense thus far, but they showed signs of coming around while salvaging the finale of a three-game series vs. the Dodgers. They eked out the win behind six hits and five walks.