stringer bell

Autocorrect—fixed.

How long of a hitless streak did Buxton break?

Well, if he’s not injured badly, Garlick looks like a lefty masher who should always be in the lineup somewhere when there’s a lefty on the mound for the opponents. Kepler is hitting right now, so he’s earned regular status and as long as Buxton is health, he’s got center. Larnach has so far aquitted himself satisfactorily, leaving not much room unless someone gets injured.

Celestino might have a voodoo doll in his locker.

Did something happen to Garlick?

I suppose the Rays fan is all over Cash for not playing his stud shortstop.

Supposedly a bullpen game for the Rays. Kind of tough to put together a lineup when you don’t know who will be pitching after the first three hitters.

I wonder how much Lewis’ success (or lack of it) at Triple A, will figure in to how hard the Twins will pursue Correa.

Thanks Rosterman. This summary is exhaustive and shows the ups and downs of so many players. Well done.

The Twins are second in runs allowed per game in the AL, trailing only the Yankees. It’s only twenty-something games, but this is totally unexpected. They’ve allowed only three unearned runs (and one of them was a ghost runner), so I would say defense has been a factor.

With the possible exception of catcher, the Twins have their best defenders at the most crucial defensive positions.

Sano has a knee issue. He pulled up between second and third when running the bases, and he had missed two consecutive days prior to that. I think there is justification to place him on the IL, if that is what the club wants to do. Godoy hasn't played since last Sunday. I don't hate third catchers as much as most here, but if he's not getting any work, it makes no sense to keep him on the active roster. Sands seems to be a short-term promotion, but the club might wait until Gray is activated. Incidentally, both Gray and Balazovic are scheduled to pitch today at Fort Myers. There are 14 pitchers on the current roster, so none of them need to be demoted. If Sanchez and Jeffers are healthy, Godoy is on his way to St. Paul, and if Sano is not placed on the Injured List, then the other demotion would have to be Celestino.

Garlick is out of options, correct? So, if that is true, he would be exposed to be claimed if the Twins wanted to send him down. I have to believe that will not happen.

You’re discussing Sands correct? I would have had no problem with him working the ninth, but as I said earlier, the club seems committed to having the next man up for the rotation only to be a long reliever after a short start.

Reported elsewhere on the site that Winder will start the finale in Tampa/St. Petersburg. Beyond that, Winder and now Sands are on the team as starters-in-waiting and only in the bullpen to pitch long relief on a short start due to injury (Gray in Boston) or ineffectiveness (Archer against the Sox). My concern is that using a top prospect in a limited and low leverage role isn't the best utilization of their talents. This, of course, is complicated by the short Spring Training and expanded roster limits. As it stands right now, the Twins are on to their seventh starter (Winder), but it would seem to be temporary, as neither Gray's or Ober's injury would seem to hold them out for much over the ten day Injured List minimum.

I read on mlbtraderumors.com that two rule changes aren't in effect until the roster cut date--1) option limits and 2) 15 day minimum for pitchers on the Injured List. My question is if a team options a player on May 1 or puts him on the IL on or before that date, are those moves under the "old rules"? So, if Godoy, for example, is optioned on 5/1 does that option count toward the maximum of five in a season? Likewise, Ober was placed on the IL today, is he eligible to come off on 5/10?

If Sanchez and Jeffers are both healthy, the Twins will send Godoy to St. Paul, but probably keep him on the 40-man roster. Sands is the obvious second cut, unless Sanó or Buxton would need to be put on the IL. If Buxton is 100% healthy, there’s really not enough playing time for Celestino.

Time for Sands to make his debut.

This inning set up by an error. Good teams do what the Twins did.

Apparently, Garlick does crush lefties.

Four innings from Archer. I guess he survived.

I've read all teams have humidors this year.

Thank you humidor!

Good play by Archer.

I’ll mention it here. Despite being knocked around, Bundy held on for six innings and saved the bullpen. I think this improves the Twins chances a lot for today.