CLEVELAND — The Minnesota Twins are losing valuable ground in the standings.

Phil Hughes lasted just three innings and Minnesota managed just three hits in an 8-1 loss to Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.

The Twins closed out a 1-6 road trip to Toronto and Cleveland. After having the American League’s second-best record on July 13, the Twins are 55-56 and falling off the pace in the race for the second AL wild card.

“The day off is probably coming at a good time,” designated hitter Joe Mauer said. “We go through stretches like this in baseball. We started off 1-8. It’s bad timing right now and hopefully we can get back.”

One reason for the Twins’ slump is the rotation. The starters posted a 13.83 ERA on the road trip, allowing 42 earned runs in 27 1-3 innings. Hughes (10-8), who pitched at least six innings in 17 of his first 20 starts, allowed a season-high seven runs.