Yankees @ Twins

Who will WIN this matchup?

New York Yankees (64-34)

@ Minnesota Twins (60-38)

Starting Pitchers:

Sabathia (NYY): 5-4; 4.06 ERA

Perez (MIN) 8-3; 4.10 ERA

Last 10 Games Played:

New York Yankees: 7-3

Minnesota Twins: 4-6

Current odds:

New York Yankees: (-115)

Minnesota Twins: (+105)

• The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins find themselves atop their respective divisions, although the former is enjoying a sizable nine-game lead over their closest rival while the latter is clinging to a three-game edge. The Yankees and Twins can add to their cushions at the other’s expense on Monday when they open a three-game series at Target Field. New York’s DJ LeMahieu belted a solo shot in Sunday’s 8-4 setback against Colorado to extend his hitting streak to eight games, during which he is 12-for-35 with two homers, four RBIs and six runs scored. Aaron Hicks also went deep versus the Rockies to hit safely in 17 of his last 21 games for the Yankees, who begin a seven-game trek aim aiming to improve upon a 12-11 mark against American League Central representatives.

• Minnesota, which owns a 17-9 record versus AL East foes, posted just its second win in seven outings on Sunday as Max Kepler ripped a walk-off single in the ninth inning of a 7-6 victory over Oakland. The 26-year-old Kepler, who collected three hits and four RBIs in the series finale, is 2-for-7 with two extra-base hits (homer, double) in his career versus Monday starter CC Sabathia.

• Sabathia surrendered a pair of homers and three runs total on Tuesday to receive his second straight no-decision versus Tampa Bay. The 39-year-old has struggled on the road, posting a 1-3 mark with a 5.84 ERA while allowing the opposition to hit .295 against him as opposed to a 4-1 record with a 2.60 ERA and .214 batting average at home. Sabathia sports a 20-9 mark with a 3.09 ERA in 39 career starts versus Minnesota.

• Perez received his fifth no-decision in seven outings on Wednesday despite allowing one earned run on five hits in six innings versus the New York Mets. The 28-year-old Venezuelan has seen his season ERA elevate over a full run (2.95 to 4.10) since posting a 7-1 mark in his first 11 trips to the mound. Didi Gregorius is 3-for-9 with two homers in his career against Perez, who sports a 2-2 record with a bloated 9.68 ERA and 1.98 WHIP in four career starts versus the Yankees.

• Minnesota 2B Luis Arraez is 20-for-57 with eight runs scored in July.

• New York C Gary Sanchez is just 3-for-23 with six strikeouts in his last six contests.

• Twins DH Nelson Cruz has belted two solo homers and scored three times during his five-game hitting streak.