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Royals-Twins Preview

May 1, 2009 - 3:03 PM By MATT BECKER STATS Senior Writer

Kansas City (12-10) at Minnesota (11-11), 8:10 p.m. EDT

Despite being without a key member of their team, the Minnesota Twins wrapped up a difficult first month of the season with a .500 record. They feel confident the return of reigning league batting champ Joe Mauer can help them get on a roll.

Mauer is expected to make his season debut Friday in the opener of a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, who open May atop the division for just the second time in franchise history.

Minnesota (11-11) finished the season's first month one game behind division-leading Kansas City (12-10) despite already facing all four AL playoff teams from 2008 - Tampa Bay, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.

"It's not as good as we would have liked, but we were treading water until Joe came back," Minnesota's Justin Morneau told the team's official Web site after Wednesday's 8-3 victory over the Rays. "We can't completely rely on Joe, but he will make a difference in our lineup. Now that we get him back, hopefully it gives everyone some added confidence, knowing that he's in the lineup, and it takes the pressure off other guys."

Mauer started the season on the disabled list because of an inflammation in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. The two-time All-Star had offseason surgery Dec. 22 to remove a blockage from one of his kidneys, but said it wasn't related.

Mauer hit .328 to win the batting title last season and has been a key part of Minnesota's offense.

Last season, the Twins were fourth in the majors in batting average (.279) and runs (829). Through the first month of 2009, they're 16th in batting (.262) and tied for 23rd in the majors in runs (93).

"When he's not in the lineup and not in the field handling the running game and everything, you miss those things," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's an All-Star, and, you know, probably the best hitter in the league. So, yeah, you miss that a lot."

Although Mauer won his second batting title last season, he only hit .209 (14-for-67) in 17 games against the Royals in 2008 - his lowest average against any AL opponent.

While the Twins were considered a contender for the division title before the start of the season, Kansas City's fast start has been a surprise.

The Royals beat Toronto 8-6 on Thursday to finish April atop the division for the first time since 2003 - the only other time in their 40-year history.

John Buck tripled twice and tied a career high with five RBIs Thursday for Kansas City, which took three of four from the Blue Jays.

Sidney Ponson (0-3, 5.79 ERA) tries to help the Royals win their third in a row when he takes the ball Friday.

After being tagged for six runs in 3 1-3 innings of an 8-7 loss to Cleveland on April 21, the right-hander gave up three runs and six hits in eight innings of a 3-2 loss to Detroit on Sunday.

Ponson, who has made seven starts since his last win on Sept. 6, went 2-1 with a 2.93 ERA in four starts against the Twins last season. The 12-year veteran, who pitched for Minnesota in 2007, is 11-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 16 career starts versus his former team - his most wins against any opponent.

The Twins counter with Kevin Slowey (3-0, 4.44), who has yielded three runs over 15 innings in his last two starts.

On Saturday, the right-hander gave up one run and eight hits with seven strikeouts in eight innings of a 7-1 victory over Cleveland.

Slowey had no trouble against the Royals last season, posting a 1.25 ERA in winning all three starts against them.

The Twins went 12-6 versus Kansas City in 2008.