The set-up: The Astros looked to this four-game series with the Twins as a chance to make up some ground in their playoff chase but Monday's 3-1 loss was their 11th in the last 14 games. They are now 8 1/2 games back of the Texas Rangers in the AL West and sit four games behind Boston and Detroit for the AL's second wild-card spot. The 46-66 Twins do not have the worst record in the American League for the first time all season, after Monday's win. "August 8th, we passed somebody. How long has it been?" Twins manager Paul Molitor joked on Monday. "It's been a long time." Note that the Twins have won seven of their last nine games, giving them a 21-12 record since July 2.

The pitching matchup: Mike Fiers (7-5, 4.34 ERA) takes the mound for Houston, while Hector Santiago (10-5, 4.37 ERA) makes his second start with Minnesota. Santiago allowed four runs on five hits and a pair of walks in five innings at Cleveland in his first game with the Twins this past Thursday. Santiago was acquired from the Angels on August 1 (in exchange for Ricky Nolasco and a prospect) and is no stranger to the Astros, owning a 3.56 ERA in eight career starts against Houston (teams are 4-4).
Fiers has rebounded form a pair of ‘ugly' starts by posting a 2.33 ERA over his last three. He struggled early on in 2016 but owns a 3.56 ERA in 11 starts since June 1. Fiers is 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) against Minnesota (team is 4-1 in his starts, with Fiers posting a 2.79 ERA).

The pick: Yes, we lost with the Astros last night but we'll come right back with them here behind the solid Fiers. 10* play on Houston.