Minnesota Twins

Cleveland series critical for resurgent Twins

Published Aug. 15, 2017 3:10 p.m. ET

First they were buyers.

Then they were sellers.

Now the Minnesota Twins are just 1/2 a game out of a wild-card spot and three wins away from being back in a division title fight.

The Twins return home Tuesday for a three-game series with the Cleveland Indians, who lead the American League Central at 64-52.

A July slump nearly derailed their season (and still could), but the resurgent Twins have now won eight of their last 10 games -- including a six-game winning streak -- and could cut the Indians' lead to two games with a sweep.

If they can cut into Cleveland's lead, they're well-positioned to give the Indians a run.

With 46 games to go, the Twins have just 19 games remaining against teams that currently have a winning record.

That's the easiest strength of schedule in the league at .482, just ahead of the Indians, who play 26 such teams the rest of the way.

Team	SOS	Games vs. +.500 teams
Minnesota Twins	.482	19
Cleveland Indians	.487	26
Texas Rangers	.489	19
Kansas City Royals	.496	24
Houston Astros	.497	19

After winning just three home series during the first three months of the season the Twins have improved dramatically at Target Field, and have now won four series there since June 20.