Notebook 7/22: Exhibition vs. Cubs Tonight at Wrigley

TODAY

Twins at Cubs, 6:10 pm CT

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Twins: Homer Bailey, RHP

Bailey had surrendered just one earned run over five innings of work during Spring Training prior to the season being suspended. The 34-year-old had a 4.02 ERA over his final 20 starts of 2019.

Cubs: Jon Lester, LHP

Lester, on the other hand, posted a 5.06 ERA over his final 20 starts of last season. The veteran lefty has posted reverse platoon splits the past two seasons, surrendering an .838 OPS to southpaws in 2019 and an .878 mark in ‘18.

NEWS & NOTES

Unlike the Twins, the Cubs were able to take full advantage of the opportunity to play three exhibition games, playing the White Sox on Sunday and Monday.

This will be the only exhibition game the Twins play against another organization, but they’ve been treating their intrasquad scrimmages like “real” games for the most part. They’ve even been shifting the infield and deploying outfield alignments based on scouting reports.

https://twitter.com/TFTwins/status/1284684609091964928

I wonder if any of the hitters requested to see their own card.

It’ll be interesting to see how Rocco Baldelli fills out the lineup. He’s yet to tip his hand in regard to the batting order, but it seems like a safe assumption to expect tonight’s lineup to resemble the same one Rocco will roll with on Opening Day.

The Twins don’t have any major injuries or illnesses at this time, fortunately, but some question marks surround Jake Odorizzi, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sanó.

We know José Berríos will be starting the opener Friday against the White Sox, but it’s not clear at this time how the rotation shakes out from there. Odo was scratched from his scheduled start Sunday due to back stiffness. He’s expected to be fine, though not fully stretched out.

Buxton, who suffered a foot injury, has said he’ll be ready for the opener. While he worked out with the team Monday, Byron did not participate in the intrasquad scrimmage. Sanó is playing catchup after missing time due to a positive COVID test, but unlike Buxton, he was able to play in Monday’s scrimmage.

With expanded rosters, a shortened season and really no opportunities for guys to play in actual rehab games, I’m confident all three will be active based on the most recent updates. Still, it’s worth monitoring the situation with that trio

LINEUPS

Good luck in the first inning, Mr. Lester.

SEE ALSO

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