Friday’s Preview: Twins at Guardians

CLEVELAND (Interstat) — The Minnesota Twins visit the Cleveland Guardians on Friday at Progressive Field, with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 p.m. under cloudy skies and a game-time temperature of 51 degrees.

The Twins (16-22) have not announced a starter but have two options: left-hander Parker Messick (3-1) and right-hander Connor Prielipp (1-0). Messick has won his past two decisions, including 5⅓ innings of three-run ball in a 14-6 victory at on May 2. Prielipp earned his win in relief April 29 against Seattle.

Cleveland (20-19) is expected to start right-hander Slade Cecconi, who is 2-3 with a 5.03 ERA over his last six outings. Cecconi earned a win Thursday at Kansas City, allowing two earned runs over 5⅓ innings in an 8-5 victory.

Minnesota catcher Ryan Jeffers is a player to watch. Jeffers went 3 for 4 with a home run and an RBI in Thursday’s 7-5 loss at Washington. Over his last 10 games, he is batting .280 (11 for 39) with two homers and six RBIs.

Cleveland catcher Bo Naylor also is a key contributor. Naylor was 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs on Thursday.

The Twins have lost four of their last six, while the Guardians have won three of their last four.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-3 Twins win. Interstat’s ELO system gives Cleveland a 62.4 percent chance to win. Cleveland is a -1.5 run favorite. The over/under is 8 runs.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday in Cleveland.