FOUR-GAME SERIES AT TARGET FIELD

All games on 830-AM, 102.9-FM

Friday, 1:10 p.m. • BSN: TBA vs. RHP Louie Varland (0-4, 6.58)

Friday, 7:10 p.m. • Apple TV+: RHP Alex Cobb (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Bailey Ober (11-5, 3.69)

Saturday, 6:10 p.m. • BSN: RHP Gavin Williams (1-4, 4.91) vs. RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (3-2, 3.87)

Sunday, 1:10 p.m. • BSN: TBA vs. RHP David Festa (2-2, 5.55 ERA)

Cleveland update: The American League Central-leading Guardians (67-47) have lost five in a row but have a 3½-game lead over the second-place Twins. ... The Guardians are 5-0 against the Twins and 19-15 against the Central. ... Cobb, acquired from San Francisco on July 30, will make his first appearance of the season. He had hip surgery following the 2023 season. ... RHP Tanner Bibee (right shoulder soreness) is Sunday's likely starter. ... LHP Sam Hentges (left shoulder inflammation), a Mounds View product, is on a rehab assignment with AAA Columbus. ... 3B Jose Ramirez is second in MLB with 96 RBI and fifth with 30 HR. ... LF Steven Kwan is hitting .332, second best to KC's Bobby Witt (.347).

Twins update: They are 63-50 and open a crucial seven-game homestand against Cleveland and third-place Kansas City. ... The Twins are 24-9 against the Central. ... Varland will make his first start for the Twins since June 11. He was sent to St. Paul after a 9.18 ERA in four starts for the Twins in April. In two June appearances with the Twins, he allowed two runs in 9⅓ innings. ... OF Byron Buxton (lower back tightness) is expected to return to the lineup Friday but SS Carlos Correa (foot) is out. ... The Twins and Guardians will close out their season series with four games Sept. 16-19 in Cleveland.