Dodgers 10, Twins 3: Joe Ryan Bullied by L.A's. Bats

[Matt Braun]

Why did you stay up to watch this?

Alternate Intro: Congratulations on not staying up to watch this one, but check out what happened in the game anyway by clicking to read more. 

 

Box Score
Joe Ryan: 5 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Home Runs: Byron Buxton (27)
Bottom 3 WPA: Joe Ryan (-.378), Max Kepler (-.050), Jose Miranda (-.049)
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

Individual games aren’t usually supposed to mirror the greater spiritual struggle between two teams, yet here we are. The Dodgers crushed the Twins on Wednesday, never allowing a moment of doubt regarding who the better team was.

It started with Joe Ryan: the rookie righty repeated his past Southern California struggles, allowing an elite Dodgers lineup to ring extra-base hits across the outfield. Will Smith—allegedly going by W.D. Smith as he would rather others confuse him with a spray oil company than the actor—rifled an RBI double into right-center field to kick off the scoring. 

Ryan’s life on the mound remained challenging; the technically worse “bottom-half” of the Dodgers lineup—which includes an All-Star and an MVP—knocked balls into the corner pocket in the 2nd inning, scoring a few more runs. Trea Turner, with some help from Gilberto Celestino not being Byron Buxton, blooped in a double to end the frame at four total runs for the Dodgers. Max Muncy homered in the 3rd. So it goes.

The Twins were not completely helpless during this onslaught; Gio Urshela muscled a triple into left-center field, and Celestino pulled him home with one of the shorter hits allowed by the rules. 

But they weren’t much better than overpowered; Julio Urías worked through early rust to command the ball incredibly in a dominating start. Urshela’s triple would be the only extra-base hit of the game off the Dodgers’ lefty; four lonely singles constituted the remaining Twins’ offense against him. While the Dodgers’ bats parried efficiently, the Twins found no such luck against Julio Urías for the entirety of his seven-inning start.

The game slowly morphed into a countdown, with outs acting as a formality, not an accomplishment. Trevor Megill allowed two runs after the Twins attempted to extend him for a second inning; Emilio Pagán netted two outs to end that inning.

Buxton provided a jolt—a small one, yes, but one nonetheless. With a man on in the 8th inning, Buxton scraped a low slider off the bottom of the strike zone and deposited it just far enough beyond home plate to count for two runs. The game was still 8-3. A fan ran onto the field.

Even the joy from that play did not last long; the Dodgers immediately struck for two runs, hitting the double-digit threshold while claiming a seven-run lead.

What’s Next?
The Twins and Dodgers will play again on Wednesday at 9:10 PM Central. Sonny Gray will take the mound for Minnesota while Ryan Pepiot will (probably) start for Los Angeles.

Postgame Interview 

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

 

	FRI	SAT	SUN	MON	TUE	TOT
Pagan	0	0	19	0	32	51
Sands	0	0	51	0	0	51
Megill	0	12	0	0	35	47
López	30	17	0	0	0	47
Thielbar	13	0	21	0	0	34
Fulmer	15	13	0	0	0	28
Duran	17	7	0	0	0	24
Jax	11	11	0	0	0	22

 

 

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[Einheri]

Guess it was good that I missed this one.

[h2oface]

The booing for Correa was relentless. Never seen anything like it. Every at bat. The whole at bat. A lull between pitches, but by the time of the next delivery, it roared again. Incessant and relentless. Then they all started yelling Jeter, Jeter, over and over. I don't know why they were confusing Correa with Jeter. 

It seems that Baldelli has now decided to leave Ryan in when he is getting shelled, and pull him early when his is controlling the game. It seems the attempts to extend Megill for the second inning continue not to go well I wonder if they are noticing.

[RochesterDave]

I wish I had the foresight to not only dismiss tonight’s game, but  actually not fly to LA for this 2 game series . Usually Rocco soft pedals a poorly played game by the boys, but it was an embarrassing game - and there were a fair amount of Twins fans in attendance to watch this David vs Goliath spectacle. The Dodgers outclassed the Twins in every facet of the game.  In fact, the California fans were so sure of victory, they started playing with beach balls and doing the wave - by the 4th inning.  All I can say is I hope Sonny has a lot more in the tank than Joe did tonight AND the boys come to play. 

[glunn]

Not my favorite trip to Dodger stadium, and some of the defensive plays were painful to watch.  As Rocco said, the Twins were outplayed in every facet of the game.

[bighat]

No longer in sole position of 1st in the Central, the Twins and Guardians now tied atop the division. Chicago licking their chops 1.5 back, playing the Royals and Tigers the rest of the week.

Meanwhile the Twins are still playing their "B" team every other game and seemed happy splitting a series 2-2 at home against Toronto. That loss (and many other winnable games thrown away) are sure hurting this team now.

This team needed way more than Tyler Mahle and the 9 more starts he'll get before the end of the year.

No sense of urgency, nobody to step up.

[rwilfong86]

I think the run in first place is finished now. I'd be surprised if they're able to re-take the lead at any point for the rest of this season. 

[TwinsDr2021]

5 hours ago, h2oface said:

it seems that Baldelli has now decided to leave Ryan in when he is getting shelled, and pull him early when his is controlling the game. It seems the attempts to extend Megill for the second inning continue not to go well I wonder if they are noticing.

I don't understand the handling of Ryan, He is not pitching well having given up at least 1 run in the first 4 innings and is brought out for the 5th. Pushing his batters faced past his average and runs up 110 pitches. Yet in his last game against a way worse team, he goes 5 gives up 1/3 of the amount of hits (3) and K's 9 guys and is pulled after 78 pitchers. WTF

If he can or they will let him pitch 110 pitches, why the heck not do it when his is going well.

Also I am starting to worry about Ryan since June his ERA is in the Bundy area.

[Jeff D.]

No surprise here. We are an OK team. We have a lot of work to do to get great. Dodgers great +.

Ryan looked rather overwhelmed and too blase....no game face or attitude.

I am fearful that our team is now going to be looking up at the Guardians from here out.

GO TWINS!

Twins geezer....out!

[MABB1959]

Not a surprising loss.  A tad embarrassing but totally expected when playing team with almost a .700 win PCT.  

Even though the outcome probably wouldn't have changed, Buxton needs to be in center field when playing the great teams as well as any game against Cleveland and CWS.  Same goes with Correa!  Resting them only against teams where the Twins have little chance to win (NYY for example).  But it makes no sense to rest them at all, if we don't win the ALC they will have plenty of rest time.

This is not a game we will look back on as a reason not to make the play-offs even though Cleveland is now tied with the Twins in the ALC and likely to take the lead after today.  What they need to look at is the 20 games lost to their division rivals.  What went wrong and what to change going forward.  Especially with the 8 remaining games with Cleveland and 6 against Chicago.  They especially don't want to give up any games against Detroit (3) and KC (6).

 

 

[VivaBomboRivera!]

Clear demonstration of the difference between a team that is a playoff contender and one that is not. To beat a club like that, it is essential to learn how to hit their pitching. Keeping those bats running around in the field to tire them out is the only way to keep them from feasting on our pitching.

 

See you tomorrow.

[Whitey333]

What can you say?  Dodgers 10 Twins 3.  Twins totally outclassed and outplayed.  Rocco's handling of pitching staff has been baffling all year.  A totally expected loss.  But the team could have showed up.  Meaningless homer by Buxton late in game.  Another blowout Wednesday is likely.

[Linus]

I’m a little worried about Ryan. Have no idea what’s going on. I really hope it isn’t the league getting used to the unusual arm slot. 
 

On the bright side Rocco used the two worst relievers in the blowout. We can come back today with a fully armed pen. 

[RJA]

54 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

 

Also I am starting to worry about Ryan since June his ERA is in the Bundy area.

I agree.  I don't think he has been at the top of his game since he was out sick.  Right now, he is looking much more like a number 4 or 5 starter, than a number 2 or 3.  Either the league is catching up with him, or his stuff isn't the same since he has been sick, or both.  Whatever the problem, I hope he and the pitching coach figure it out soon.  Where is Wes when we need him?

[mikelink45]

It hurts that Kepler continues to muddle along and barely keep his bat alive.  For a while it looked like he was going to do something positive, but his BA coupled with his HRs makes him a weak part of the lineup. And Leon is not going to hit - that is established, last night with their big guns drooling to get at us we should have had Sanchez in just for the chance he would hit.

But I have to join the comments about Rocco - his use and abuse of Ryan.  I just don't get it.  No sensible pattern.  Pitch poor and pitch deep, pitch well and take a seat. 

[wabene]

21 minutes ago, Linus said:

I’m a little worried about Ryan. Have no idea what’s going on. I really hope it isn’t the league getting used to the unusual arm slot. 
 

On the bright side Rocco used the two worst relievers in the blowout. We can come back today with a fully armed pen. 

Even last year when things are looking good, I wondered how long batters would swing under high fastballs coming in at less than overwhelming pace. Yes he can hit 94, but he seems to live at 89-92. Without good command of some plus off-speed stuff I'm not sure of his chances. That being said, his overall first year from last year to this has been pretty dang good, give him some time to mature and adjust and things could swing back the other way. 

Yes, let's hope Gray can give the Firey Rocco Baldelli good reason to use the top pen arms. 

[Nashvilletwin]

Missed the game - 3rd of the year.

Was Arraez hurt last night?  If not, I’m wondering in what universe is Arraez batting against a left handed pitcher still not better than sending up any of our right handed batters other than maybe Miranda?  That’s right, I’m including our two “superstars” in that comparison. Are we playing to win or are we still sticking with the “analytics”? Sure, we were thoroughly outclassed so it might not have mattered; however,  doesn’t his bat in the lineup regardless if a lefty is starting still give us a better chance to win?

Please disregard this comment if Luis was injured. 

[Blyleven2011]

Because I am a diehard twins fan , I stayed up and listened to the game  on radio  ....

But my dog kirby  left the room  as the chances of winning slipped away , he's a fair weather fan ...

[Major League Ready]

10 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Missed the game - 3rd of the year.

Was Arraez hurt last night?  If not, I’m wondering in what universe is Arraez batting against a left handed pitcher still not better than sending up any of our right handed batters other than maybe Miranda?  That’s right, I’m including our two “superstars” in that comparison. Are we playing to win or are we still sticking with the “analytics”? Sure, we were thoroughly outclassed so it might not have mattered; however,  doesn’t his bat in the lineup regardless if a lefty is starting still give us a better chance to win?

Please disregard this comment if Luis was injured. 

Arraez has a wRC+ of 91 and an OPS of 661 against LHP.  Putting Urshela at 3B and Miranda at 1B means Urshela with a career 750 OPS against LHP replaces Arraez in the lineup.  Not a monumental improvement but an improvement and a good way to give bench players playing time and having Arraez as a pinch hitter in a key spot had one presented itself.

[mikelink45]

I had to share this comment from Mlb.com - Do-Hyoung Park - "The Twins are now 1-9 against other divisional leaders, including Tuesday’s loss, in which Ryan allowed six runs (five earned) in five innings, his second-highest total of the season, while Julio Urías held the Twins to five hits in seven strong frames."

And he begun with " A pair of division leaders walked into Chavez Ravine on Tuesday night. One looked much more the part -- and the other walked away having lost sole possession of first place for the first time in a month and a half."

These two comments capture the game for me.  

We are not a true playoff team - one that can reasonably expect a chance at the World Series. 

[garn from vancouver]

Well. Let’s just settle into the realization - that many already had ages ago - that it doesn’t matter one bit if the twins win the central. Zero. They’ll never get close to beating the over-spending big market teams in a playoff. Let’s just love them for who they are and settle into our seats. 

[RochesterDave]

To h2oface.  Above…. The LA fans were not chanting “Jeter”….  They were going with “CHEATER”!!  Those jeers, I must admit were world class.  Even interrupted the fans from playing with their beach balls and the wave.  The Twins fans behind the dugout were pretty much silenced the entire game.  Unfortunately I am returning tonight for what I fear will be another rout. 

[Nashvilletwin]

1 hour ago, Major League Ready said:

Arraez has a wRC+ of 91 and an OPS of 661 against LHP.  Putting Urshela at 3B and Miranda at 1B means Urshela with a career 750 OPS against LHP replaces Arraez in the lineup.  Not a monumental improvement but an improvement and a good way to give bench players playing time and having Arraez as a pinch hitter in a key spot had one presented itself.

I guess we stick with the analytics…..

I fully understand and respect your rationale and I see the reasoning. Arraez can theoretically play four positions: 1B, 2B, 3B, and DH. Miranda, Polanco, Urshela, Buxton and Arraez are your five players for those four spots. Miranda plays vs. a lefty. Check. Polanco plays for sure as a switch hitter. Check. So we are down to Urshela, Arraez and Buxton. Urshela is probably a better 3B than Arraez and Miranda. So the best defensive lineup, on the margin, is Urshela at 3B and Miranda at 1B, beating out the next best choice of Miranda at 3B and Arraez at 1B. Plus, Urshela has a higher OPS vs lefties. Urshela starts. Check, And Buxton has to be the DH, right? Can’t leave him on the bench. Check. Heck, maybe the next five games are scheduled against right handed starters - so best rest Luis for use the rest of the week.  Check, Check.

All that makes tremendous sense. Yet, I still disagree. There is no one on the Twins that I’d rather have hitting 4-5 times a game or with a runner on base (in scoring position or not), regardless of the lefty/righty matchup, than Arraez. Analytics, shmalytics. Arraez in the lineup with his bat and energy simply gives us a better chance.

That’s what the eyes and gut may suggest. But the arguments against that are good and understandable. The data and AI say sit Arraez. It’s an analytics world. 

[farmerguychris]

This is the only type of game Pagan should be pitching in. Times when Rocco might consider Gordon instead.

Rough game, lets see something better tonight!

[Doctor Gast]

I see that some react to our pitching after we traded Berrios as a drowning person. They deparately grab onto anyone that faintly resemble an ace. that's what happened to Ryan. He's very good but Ryan's not an ace & shouldn't have been treated as one, constantly over extending him. He;s a rookie & should have been treated as one, gradually eased into a 6+ innings routine. 

I see also 2 flawed attitudes of the Twins. They are being overwhelmed by team like NYY & LAD, they play uptight and never really get anything going to compete and the other being under whelmed with bad teams where they are way too laid back figuring they'll eventually pull one out but don't. The Twins need to master both to win the division. With Tim Anderson out, maybe our greatest threat isn't CWS but CLE.

Let's set our goal to salvage this last game w/ LAD and sweep both LAA and KC.

[Battle ur tail off]

Bad game against a really good team, that kid on the mound, he is tough. I don't expect more than 3-4 runs in any game he is starting. 

Joe Ryan has been disappointing, but with a rested pen and Gray going tonight, people will be OK with this loss if we win tonight. 

Getting a split here is the best we could have hoped for anyway. Lets make it happen then go beat up on the Angels.

 

[heresthething]

Dodgers payroll - 265 million
https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/payroll/

Twins payroll - 143 million
https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/minnesota-twins/payroll/

Sure we might win a game here and there but that's about it...all that needs to be said.

[Mike Sixel]

This reads like the thread after the first Toronto game, where people said the twins had no chance.

Not that I think they are as good as the elite teams.......

[RpR]

I looked up the stats. from the first Dodger game, there they collapsed in the 8th inning; yesterday they collapsed in the 2nd inning.

Buxton in the outfield is greatly missed but he there would not have changed the lack of hitting and ptiching.

[mikelink45]

36 minutes ago, heresthething said:

Dodgers payroll - 265 million
https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/payroll/

Twins payroll - 143 million
https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/minnesota-twins/payroll/

Sure we might win a game here and there but that's about it...all that needs to be said.

I can't buy that - how many WS have the Yankees and Dodgers won in the last ten years with the highest payrolls? ONE.  And in the previous decade - ONE.  But teams do need a shut down starter - it is pitching that wins the big series.