The Dodgers are just 5-4 in their last nine games if asked to lay 1 1/2 runs - and that's not with righthander Brock Stewart pitching.

Stewart is making his first start of the year with Clayton Kershaw and Brandon McCarthy sidelined. Stewart made five starts last year and had a 6.38 ERA. He made four minor league starts this year and didn't complete four innings in any of them. This is likely to be Stewart and a bunch of middle relievers for the Dodgers.

I feel fortified to step in against the Dodgers in this situation - especially backed by 1 1/2 runs.

The Twins have the fifth-best road record in the league at 26-19. They are 21-8 in their last 29 road games versus a righty starter.

MInnesota is going with two-time All-Star Ervin Santana, who is having one of his best seasons going 11-7 with a 3.26 ERA. Santana isn't pitching as well as he did during the first two months of the season, but he's a tough veteran who knows how to pitch and should be pumped for this matchup.

The Twins have won seven of Santana's last nine starts and should have slugging third baseman Miguel Sano back in their lineup.