It's one thing to pitch well, and another to pitch well against the Red Sox.
Buxton gets a break as Twins face Boston knuckleballer Steven Wright
The Twins on Thursday open a four-game series against a surging Red Sox team that poses a great offensive threat.
July 21, 2016 at 9:59PM
Boston has scored at least six runs in a game 10 times over the last month, including their 11-7 whuppin' of the Giants last night. Drew Pomeranz floundered in his Red Sox debut, but Hanley Ramirez hit three home runs to lead the attack. Boston won seven of its last nine games before the All-Star break, and has won four of five since the break.
Twins starters are 10-6 with a 3.43 ERA over their last 22 games, but this will be their biggest test yet - going into Fenway and trying slow down the Red Sox.
Byron Buxton is getting a break today, but he's been struggling at the plate recently and facing a knuckleballer in Steven Wright would just be further abuse.
Twins manager Paul Molitor is going with Eddie Rosario in center field. Buxton, who has never played in Fenway Park, was out early trying to figure out how to play balls off the Green Monster. As he noted, if he commits to a ball hit to deep left-center, there's no one to back him up if the ball hits the all and gets by him.
Twins legend Rod Carew and his Heart of 29 campaign will be recognized before the game. It's been a nice run for Carew, who was in San Diego for the All-Star Game then Target Field for Twins Hall of Fame induction weekend.
On the trade front, the Orioles really need a starter and have checked out Ervin Santana's last two starts. The Rangers are the other team known to have scouted Santana.
There are rumblings about Danny Valencia to the Mets. I think Eduardo Nunez would be a better fit because of his versatility and the fact that he's played in New York. If they need help at third, they should take a look at Nunez.
Twins
Eduardo Nunez, SS
Joe Mauer, 1B
Miguel Sano, 3B
Brian Dozier, 2B
Max Kepler, RF
Kennys Vargas, DH
Robbie Grossman, LF
Kurt Suzuki, C
Eddie Rosario, CF
Tyler Duffey, RHP
Red Sox
Mookie Betts, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Hanley Ramirez, !B
Jackie Bradley, Jr., CF
Travis Shaw, 3B
Ryan Hanigan, C
Brock Holt, LF
Steven Wright, RHP
Widely known that Minnesota sports fans are among the most suffering in the nation, this holiday season has the chance to become special, given the recent success of the Vikings, Wolves, Lynx and Wild.
