Game No. 52 Preview: Houston Astros at Minnesota Twins

Houston Astros (35-16) vs. Minnesota Twins (26-20), May 29, 2017, 1:10 p.m. CT

TV: ROOT Sports SW
Radio: KBME 790 AM, La Nueva 94.1 FM
Online: MLB.TV
Twins SBNation Blog: Twinkie Town

Pitching Matchup

RHP Brad Peacock (2-0, 0.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (7-2, 1.80 ERA, 0.83 WHIP)

Preview

Brad Peacock is back in the starting rotation for the AL-West-leading Astros. A statement I would not have believed at any point over the previous four years that Peacock has been on the major league roster.

But that speaks to the success that Peacock has had in 2017. Peacock accepted his new role in the bullpen and thrived. He was 2-0 with 1.10 ERA in 12 appearances out of the bullpen. He made his first start last Monday in place of Dallas Keuchel, who was dealing with a pinched nerve. Peacock allowed zero runs over 4 1/3 innings, allowing one hit and striking out eight.

Peacock is making his third career start against the Twins. Peacock previously made starts in 2013 and 2014, he is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA.

Peacock gets a tough matchup on Memorial Day with Ervin Santana. Santana has been middle of the road for his first two seasons in Minnesota, but he has found another gear in his 34-year-old season.

During the month of May, Santana been all over the place. He has three shutout starts, and two starts with five runs or more allowed — alternating between good and bad starts. If the pattern holds, the Astros will rough up Santana.

Santana has been near perfect in four career starts against the Astros, he is 3-0 in four starts with seven earned runs in 28 2/3 innings.

Marwin Gonzalez (3-for-8) and Carlos Beltran (5-for-13) has had plenty of success against Santana. While Evan Gattis (1-for-7) and Josh Reddick (4-for-18) hasn't found the same success against Santana.