Armstrong homered twice as the Twins were blown out by the NL Central-leading Cubs on Thursday at Target Field.

In the Cubs’ 8-1 win Thursday, Rea held the Twins to three hits and one run through seven innings. He not only set the team up to avoid a sweep in Minnesota but also gave the bullpen rest going into a three-game series against the Yankees that’s expected to open with a bullpen day.

PITCHING PROBABLES: Cubs: Colin Rea (6-3, 4.13 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 60 strikeouts); Twins: Chris Paddack (3-7, 4.64 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 68 strikeouts) BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs will aim to stop a three-game road skid when they face the Minnesota Twins.

Imagn Images

The Twins had added another run before that, on a Matt Wallner home run in the second, so when the fourth began it was 3-0 Twins. Then this happened [VIDEO]. The second was June 23-24 at St. Louis. The Cubs won the third game there, then a fourth game as well, shutting out the Cardinals in both.

The New York Mets may want to poach an outfielder this year. A trade for Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton could be exactly what New York needs.

On Sunday, the Twins will add the next wave of talent to the organization when the draft begins, making their first selection at No. 16 overall with another pick coming at No. 36 overall, a Competitive Balance Round A selection.

The Chicago Cubs wrapped up their series against the Minnesota Twins with a win, which helped them avoid being swept. It has been a great season so far for the