Here's a quick glance at what's happening around the National League Central.

After a 5-9 trip -- their longest since 1969 -- the Twins were eager to return to the Metrodome, where they have dominated. But they went 3-3 on their homestand, leaving manager Ron Gardenhire to say, ''We'll go out on the road and see what happens.'' Consider this a wasted opportunity for the Twins, who open a 10-game trip tonight with three games at Baltimore, three at Cleveland and four at Tampa Bay.

When the Twins return home, they will get a day off before hosting the White Sox for three games that should be a showdown series for the Central.

Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander starts against the White Sox tonight. On the Tigers' current trip, he is expected to pitch in Chicago and Cleveland, where he is a combined 1-11 (0-5 vs. the Sox) with a 7.46 ERA. Said manager Jim Leyland: ''We have to get over the hump with him. Our ace has to be able to beat teams in this division.''