The Twins take on the Tigers in Detroit this afternoon starting at 3:10 PM Central Time. I'm sure the starting time has something to do with television or TV rights. Shadows may or may not be a factor in the game with the odd starting time, but I'm confident the Twins will find a way to score some runs against the Tigers. 

 

This is the ninth game of a 10-game road trip for the Twins. They have already guaranteed a break-even trip, winning five of the first eight games. The Twins have the best record in baseball once again, having a fraction of a percentage point higher winning percentage than Houston despite being one less game over .500.

 

The news overnight was that La Tortuga, Willians Astudillo, was optioned to Rochester, with the accompanying announcement this morning that pitcher Ryan Eades would be called up and will get his first chance in the majors. When the Twins were playing out the string in 2018, it was fun to watch Astudillo hit and run, and wonder about his very interesting skill set. This year, the hits aren't falling and watching the team win has been entertaining in itself.

 

Good luck to Eades. So far the call-ups from Rochester to fill the last couple spots in the bullpen have been unsuccessful, but one never knows with relievers. It is looking more and more to me that they will have to go outside of the organization to get quality bullpen help this year.

 

No lineup posted yet. Baldelli continues to give all of his players days off and avoid unfavorable matchups. Top candidate for a day off would be Schoop and perhaps Rosario. Kyle Gibson takes the hill with an additional day of rest. Gibson has a good 6-2 record, 3.75 ERA and 1.219 WHIP, but somehow has a WAR of only 0.4. I don't get WAR, especially for pitchers. If I don't get a lineup posted, I would appreciate if one is added. Thanks!

 

Edit: Lineup posted. Play ball at 3:10!

 

TWINS    (42-20)

 

Kepler RF

Polanco SS

Cruz DH

Cron 1B

Gonzalez LF

Sanó 3B

Schoop 2B

Castro C

Buxton CF

 

Gibson P       

 

 

Tigers (23-37)

 

Goodrum SS

Stewart LF

Castellanos RF

Cabrera DH

Dixon 1B

Castro 3B

Beckham 2B

Greiner C

Jones CF

 

Farmer P

 

 

Looks like Rosario isn't in the lineup today. Most teams would struggle to score without a guy in the lineup hitting 18 HRs with 50 RBIs, but with the amount of depth this team its no big deal. This offense is stacked.

Twins Auburn Draft picks with 4 RBI's in the top of 9

 

Joulien with a 3-run Bomba!

I hope we win.

Wait!

 

Castro is our catcher...

 

and their 3rd baseman?

 

What next? Ruler of Cuba?

Wouldn't have minded Adrianza spelling Schoop today. Nice to get Eddie a day off, guessing Schoop's off day may come tomorrow - guy's been brutal up there at the plate lately.

As I was driving home this morning I saw a turtle trying to cross the road. I pulled over and got out to help him, but before I could get to him, he was optioned to Triple A. Good luck little turtle. Man I'm going to miss watching La Tortuga play ball on tv. I hope he returns to the Twins soon. 

Play ball!

 

(Gotcha! Simon didn't say "Simon says")

This time of the year, shadows shouldn’t be an issue until 6:30 or 7 pm local time. Game could be almost over by then.

That Kyle Gibson training segment was really interesting.

 

This is not the Twins organization of five years ago, that's for sure.

As I was driving home this morning I saw a turtle trying to cross the road. I pulled over and got out to help him, but before I could get to him, he was optioned to Triple A. Good luck little turtle. Man I'm going to miss watching La Tortuga play ball on tv. I hope he returns to the Twins soon.

Lol!!!!! He should be a greeter at Turtle Lake Casino!!! \m/

Wouldn't have minded Adrianza spelling Schoop today. Nice to get Eddie a day off, guessing Schoop's off day may come tomorrow - guy's been brutal up there at the plate lately.

Don't poke the bear!!!

Oh boy. Buck Farmer. Stay on your toes, Bert.

Good eye Max!!!!!

Buck Farmer.

 

Gotta be careful with spelling and pronunciation on that'n.

Yeah Polanco!!!!!!!!

What a fantastic start!!!!

So this is an OK start.

Spot us a run. Nice of them.

In play, run(s)...

 

Gee, that was quick.

Good afternoon everyone! Great way to start the game! Hope we get to see the new kid throw a few and see if we got some bullpen help.

Wouldn't have minded Adrianza spelling Schoop today. Nice to get Eddie a day off, guessing Schoop's off day may come tomorrow - guy's been brutal up there at the plate lately.

Didn’t Schoop have a day off earlier this week?

I'm hoping we blow this one out of the water. I really don't want another Parker induced heart attack again....Getting too familiar.

Well that de-escalated quickly.

 

Didn’t Schoop have a day off earlier this week?

Yep. In 9-7 loss to Cleveland.

Now, Gibby, follow my advice and work faster. It really works. k

Over/Under on Gardy's ejection today? 

 

I give it 5 1/2 innings.

Well that de-escalated quickly.

Gibson probably annoys me the most of all the Twins starting pitching. You have a 1-2 count and the guy didn't hit your fastball. Why not just pump fastballs on the outside half and see if he can hit it? Why nibble with offspeed stuff?

Edited June 8, 20197 yr by MNT1996

Gibby looks like he has the breaking ball working well so far.  Nasty.