stringer bell

That also aged well (error in the fifth).

Misplay by Kepler.

Well, we probably already knew that not many, Archer included, can afford to go 2-0 or 3-1 to big league hitters.

The Twins meet the Rangers in game 2 of a 4-game wraparound series at Target Field. Chris Archer starts for the Twins, while the Rangers are sending out Glenn Otto. I haven't paid much attention to the Wildcard race, assuming the AL East would provide all of the wildcard teams. Seattle has moved into good position to take a spot. I wouldn't be surprised to see an AL Central team sneak in as well, so even if the Twins don't win the Central, they still have a chance. Lineups: HITTERS H-AB RBI HR SB AVG M. Semien2B 111-478 58 18 19 .232 C. SeagerSS 110-440 60 26 3 .250 N. Lowe1B 124-430 53 17 2 .288 A. GarciaRF 115-453 74 19 18 .254 B. MillerDH 42-208 29 7 4 .202 L. TaverasCF 54-181 27 3 7 .298 E. Duran3B 36-147 17 3 4 .245 M. ViloriaC 10-48 5 2 0 .208 B. ThompsonLF 13-49 5 0 5 .2 HITTERS H-AB RBI HR SB AVG L. Arraez1B 133-397 39 7 4 .335 C. CorreaSS 95-353 39 14 0 .269 B. BuxtonDH 75-334 51 28 5 .225 J. Polanco2B 83-351 55 15 3 .236 M. KeplerRF 75-329 41 9 3 .228 J. Miranda3B 79-277 52 13 1 .285 N. GordonCF 71-257 23 5 6 .276 J. CaveLF 6-29 2 1 0 .207 G. SanchezC 65-299 42 11 2 .217 PLAYER W-L ERA WHIP IP H K BB HR G. Otto 5-8 4.96 1.42 89.0 77 70 49 13 C. Archer 2-6 4.15 1.29 82.1 65 71 41 9

There are two off days during the time Mahle must be on the Injured List. One of the announcers on the Apple+ broadcast said last night that it looked like he would be disabled. Smeltzer hasn't been effective at St. Paul after getting hit hard in his last couple of appearances with the Twins. He was a big factor earlier.

I do agree that Sisk is intriguing, but Moran has been successful with the Twins. I presume Sisk will be a tough roster decision for the Twins in the offseason.

Regarding Palacios, his brief time with the Twins, his glove looked at least satisfactory. Good to see that he has sustained his production from AA to AAA and I do think that he could be the Opening Day shortstop in 2023. It seems to me that the Twins regard Palacios as a shortstop who could be a utility player while someone like Nick Gordon is a utility player who can fill in for a day or two at shortstop.

Saints last game is 9/28.

Sure I'm concerned. He hasn't had an "easy" inning since his first outing with the Twins. Too many walks, hits and hard contact. That said, if he wasn't just acquired, it would look like a blip on the screen. Some of the hits were soft contact (I remember especially his first blown save) and his history as a bullpen arm features good control as well. I'll be anxious when he comes in for a save the next time and probably many more next times. He's had an outstanding season and has really good stuff, but hasn't pitched like that for my favorite team.

With the prospective returns of Ober, Winder and perhaps Maeda, that is more pitchers than the Twins can carry. Of course, Mahle is possibly headed to the IL. Sands may end up being optioned if/when he pitches again. Moran could come back (it makes sense to add another lefty) to the bullpen. The originally listed pitchers would seem to be on the outside looking in.

Ralph Garza Jr.?

Duran faced the top hitters (and highest paid) on the Rangers, plus Lowe had good at-bats through the game. That he got through the inning with an economy of pitches makes him a realistic option tomorrow. I agree that Lopez has been shaky. It is unfortunate that he has struggled and hopefully he comes out of it soon. The Twins definitely need more than Duran at the end of games.

Got him!!!!!

Yipes!

Throw strikes!

Duran—-impressive.

I wish Megill would throw more fastballs. I don’t trust his secondary pitches. He I’m looked overmatched by the heater and he was the best hitter Megill pitched against. Glad he got out of the inning.

100 mph fastballs.

Nice first for Bundy. BYW, the Twin have more homers, higher OBP and Slugging than the Rangers. The Rangers have scored more runs.

I kind of like hearing a national perspective. I’ll give the play-by-play a chance.

Buxton in and playing center field. Polanco back. Pérez has been good this year, but he always seems to be on the edge of a meltdown. IIRC, the Twins put up a big inning against him, but the Rangers rallied to win the game. Bundy needs to keep the ball in the park against these guys. It’s raining where I live, but no rain in the forecast for Minneapolis.

Lineups: HITTERS H-AB RBI HR SB AVG M. Semien2B 111-475 58 18 19 .234 C. SeagerSS 110-436 60 26 3 .252 N. Lowe1B 123-426 52 17 2 .289 A. GarciaRF 114-449 74 19 18 .254 J. HeimC 79-308 43 13 2 .256 L. TaverasCF 53-178 27 3 6 .298 B. MillerDH 42-205 29 7 4 .205 J. Smith3B 32-145 12 1 3 .221 B. ThompsonLF 12-46 5 0 4 .261 HITTERS H-AB RBI HR SB AVG B. BuxtonCF 75-331 51 28 5 .227 C. CorreaSS 95-349 39 14 0 .272 L. Arraez1B 132-394 38 6 4 .335 J. MirandaDH 78-273 51 12 1 .286 G. Urshela3B 90-338 49 11 0 .266 J. Polanco2B 82-349 55 15 3 .235 G. CelestinoLF 50-189 13 2 0 .265 M. KeplerRF 74-326 41 9 3 .227 S. LeonC 6-33 4 0 0 .182 Pitchers: PLAYER W-L ERA WHIP IP H K BB HR M. Perez 9-3 2.79 1.20 142.0 124 125 46 9 D. Bundy 6-5 4.76 1.26 98.1 103 75 21 15

Cleveland is in a stretch where they have four or five series in a row with teams with winning records. However in October the Guardians play KC six straight games. Gotta have a lead by then.

I know he’s been brutal, but he’s been able to take the ball when asked. IIRC, he has pitched in back-to-back games several times and at least once worked three days in a row.

Agree, but I’m not really sold on his breaking pitches.