Welcome to the Game Thread, Sunday morn edition, where we'll discuss all things not being math and politics.  This series has been a mixed bag thus far.  Friday night showcased the Twins team that we know and love.  Saturday's tilt featured the Twins team that we know and love but aren't quite sure of why.  It's likely that we'll see one of those two teams in today's matinee rubber match.  

On the hill today, Devin Smeltzer looks to continue to show that he belongs in the rotation.  Gilberto Celestino returns to the starting lineup to help him out.  It'll be interesting to see how Smeltzer's stuff fares against a good lineup like Toronto's.  After a short outing by Bundy yesterday, the bullpen could use a deeper start today.

Opposite Smeltzer will be Kevin Gausman, who has recorded 70 K's in his 61 IP this season.  This will be interesting to watch since Toronto pitchers were able to strike out 15 Twins yesterday, lead by Jose Berrios' 13.  He also went 7 full, so their pen is better rested.  Helping him will be a few spawn of former big leaguers.

Here's to hoping we see more of Friday's Twins and less of yesterday's Twins...

Today's contestants, listed in order of batting, are:

For the visiting Twins:

DH - Arraez

C - Sanchez

2B - Polanco

3B - Urshela

RF - Larnach

1B - Miranda

CF - Celestino

LF - Gordon

SS - Palacios

 

For the hosting Jays:

CF - Springer

SS - Bichette

1B - Guerrero Jr

RF - Hernandez

DH - Kirk

3B - Chapman

2B - Espinal

LF - Gurriel Jr

C - Jansen

I have hopes with that lineup ... glad to see Urshela in.

1 minute ago, Squirrel said:

I have hopes with that lineup ... glad to see Urshela in.

Agreed.  If Celestino and Gordon can have good days at the plate, I like the Twins chances.

They've got to avoid the K though.  That does have me a bit concerned.

We need another solid start by Smeltzer today. That, and to score some runs on Gausman. It sure would be nice to take 2 of 3 from the Jays. Tough homestand coming up. Hopefully, we get some guys back for that. 

Agreed, the Twins need to get to Gausman to take 2 of 3 because they get Cortes, Taillon and Cole against the Yankees....

Good morning, all. While waiting for the Twins' game to start, I recommend watching the first half of the Ukraine @ Wales World Cup qualifier. (On ESPN+ if you subscribe.) Last qualifier for the WC Finals, which was delayed by war earlier in the spring. Exciting drama.

I didn't see Buxton on the injury report. Is he still on the team?

22 minutes ago, Dave The Dastardly said:

I didn't see Buxton on the injury report. Is he still on the team?

I was just going to ask that question. He NEEDS to play more than he has!

 

It strikes me that we are putting up our best healthy starter against a Cy Young hopeful today. That the pitcher happens to be Devin Smeltzer and we are in first place is not something I would have ever imagined. Toronto’s right handed laden line up couldn’t be a more difficult match up for him. Let’s see if he can keep us in the game.

Well written introduction to this game thread.  Almost sounds like Charles Dickens: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Gotta keep Arraez in the leadoff spot even when Buxton is 100% healthy

2 hours ago, Squirrel said:

I have hopes with that lineup ... glad to see Urshela in.

Hopefully no lingering issues with his leg from the other night. 

Since when do the Blue Jays wear red? It’s odd.

I guess it’s the Canadian thing.

Wow hahaha glad to see someone else muff an easy out

WTF! Whooooaaaa … you don’t see a routine fly dropped very often

My prediction was Jays 7, Twins 3. Gonna have to alter that to Jays 7, Twins 5. 

 

PTC: Blue Jays defense 

In KC, that's a double...

1st game listened on radio this year

Larnach is in a funk. Written before his at-bat is over. 

3 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

Since when do the Blue Jays wear red? It’s odd.

Tor radio said this 1st time this year

Larnach has to get that run in there. Super frustrating.

I guess that works.  I'll take the charity.

Bahaha Guerrero scared of the ball 

Prediction: There will be a lot of hitters in a funk by the end of the Yankee series. 

1 minute ago, stringer bell said:

Larnach is in a funk. Written before his at-bat is over. 

I kinda figured he was gonna strike out. 

At least the fielding follies netted runs and extra pitches for their ace. 

1 minute ago, rwilfong86 said:

I kinda figured he was gonna strike out. 

A great right handed split-finger thrower is a terrible matchup for Larnach.

Gausman is gonna need to pick up the pace a bit. Seems like he takes 40 seconds between pitches

JOSE!!! GREAT at bat