Twins playoff push comes with tough schedule

The road to make the playoffs for the Twins won't be easy. With 13 games left, there are plenty of good teams left on Minnesota's schedule.

In fact, the Indians (who are trying for that last American League wild-card spot, as well) and Twins both boast tough schedules, thanks in part to playing each other seven times in the final 13.

HIGHEST PCT. OF GAMES LEFT VS. TEAMS WITHIN 5G OF PLAYOFF SPOT

* -- Cleveland's percentage would be lower if the Indians have to make up a game against Detroit, which will only be played if there are playoff implications.

A key for Minnesota is getting runners in scoring position. Sure, that's a key in any game, but lately, the Twins have come up big in those situations, owning the longest current streak of games with at least one hit with a runner in scoring position, having done it in 21 straight games.

Maybe Eddie Rosario will get into scoring position on his own. Rosario has been a triples machine for the Twins.

TWINS WHO HAVE LED MLB IN TRIPLES

Other notes:

-- Speaking of runners in scoring position, Ervin Santana has been vastly improved. In his first eight games, batters hit .342 with RISP. In the last six, .185 and Santana has struck out 31 percent of the batters.

-- Overall in his last four starts, Santana is 3-0 with a 1.55 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 29 innings.

-- The Twins lead the season series against Cleveland 7-5 and are 4-2 at home.

-- Rosario is on a seven-game hit streak in which he is 12 for 30 (.400) with a double, three triples and two home runs.

Statistics courtesy STATS Inc.