Less is more for Matt Guerrier, and the Twins intend for it to stay that way.
The middle reliever, so worn out by overuse last year that he posted an 8.88 ERA after the All-Star break, is strong again and has the results to back that up. He has had only one rough outing in a dozen appearances this season -- and the Twins believe that limiting his back-to-back assignments is a big reason why. "He's very valuable to this team," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Sometimes you get forced into doing things you don't want to, but our intention (is to keep Guerrier well-rested)."
It will be tempting to break that pledge if Guerrier keeps pitching as well as he has lately. The 30-year-old right-hander has allowed only one hit in his last eight innings, holding batters to a .042 average. He enjoys pitching as often as possible, but even Guerrier understands the necessity of sitting and watching more often.
"That's where I kind of got in trouble last year, (always saying) 'I feel good, I feel good,'" Guerrier said. "That's how players end up in 50-some games in three or four months. They've done a great job this year (in keeping him fresh)."
TIGERS 9, TWINS 0: Nick Blackburn lasted only 3 1/3 innings and allowed a career-high nine runs, and Minnesota lost for the third time in four games. Jason Kubel went 3-for-4, but the Twins were shut out for the third time this season.
