The Seattle Mariners will visit the Minnesota Twins for the opener of a three-game series Thursday afternoon.

The visitors hand the ball to left-hander James Paxton (0-1, 11.57 ERA) who was charged with six runs on six hits, including a pair of home runs, in his season debut last week against Cleveland. I expect a much more composed outing from Paxton today. He was 12-5 with a 2.98 ERA last season and 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three career starts against the Twins who turn to Kyle Gibson (1-0, 0.00) who was 12-10 with a 5.07 ERA last season.

Gibson didn't allow a hit but walked five batters through his six innings in the Twins' 6-2 victory over Baltimore in his season debut. He was 2-0 despite a 5.25 ERA in two starts against Seattle last season. I don't think he'll be as lucky today.

10* play on Seattle Mariners.