The Twins finished 7-19 in their final 26 games last season and they are not off to a good start this season. If you discount their games against the White Sox, the Twins are 2-7.

Minnesota also has trouble against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium where they are 1-5 in their last six games.

Twins starter Bailey Ober particularly struggles at Kansas City where he has a 6.49 ERA in six career road starts against the Royals. Ober is off to a dreadful start with a 12.15 ERA and 2.40 WHIP in two starts.

Veteran Royals starter Michael Wacha isn't off to a great start either. But he's proven reliable. He was 13-8 last year with a 3.35 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. He's facing a weak Twins offense that ranks among the bottom-four in batting average, homers and OPS.

The Royals have their three top bullpen arms fresh for this game.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover's Thursday card is headed by his NHL Game of the Year.)