[ad_1]
The Minnesota Twins had high hopes for the season after a surprising run at the AHL championship game in 2017.
Jake Odorizzi and Lance Lynn took part in a rotation that already included Kyle Gibson and Jose Berrios, and focused on improving young talents such as Miguel Sano.
None of these paid as Minnesota wished. The Twins will miss the playoffs this season after a series of frustrations and setbacks, including a series of injuries.
Byron Buxton, Ervin Santana and Miguel Sano all had an important role to play in 2018, but they spent a lot of time on the disabled list, while Jorge Polanco missed 80 games for a suspension from DC.
The shortage of staff has led the Twins to treat veterans Brian Dozier, Eduardo Escobar, Zach Duke, Fernando Rodney and Lynn at the deadline to replenish the system with young talent.
Director Paul Molitor admits that the shortage was frustrating but refuses to use it as an excuse.
"You never want to seem to apologize," Molitor said. "Each team has to handle things along the way. We had some things that were not as expected and we had to make adjustments. Sometimes we did well and sometimes not so well.
"I think our guys have learned, they keep learning. There was an obvious decline last year compared to what we were able to do, so the expectations were not met, but I always try to look for positives. "
Molitor will be back to opening Thursday as the Twins conclude a three-game series with Detroit at Target Field in Minneapolis.
Left-handed Gabriel Moya will play the role for the sixth time this season and a fourth time against the Tigers, who have not scored. Moya made six strikeouts in six innings as he allowed three hits and two goals against Detroit in 2018.
The Tigers got 11-4 on Wednesday, eliminating Odorizzi for four points and six hits, while enjoying five walks in three or more rounds.
"Actually, I'll probably forget tomorrow 2018," Odorizzi told reporters. "I'm going to focus on next year, improving and coming back to the pitcher that I am and that team deserves.
"Take good this season. I did all my starts. I stayed in good health. It's not a year I'm proud of, but a year I've learned a lot. So, if I can make the adjustments next year and stay healthy, I am much better and I will show much better to the fans. "
Another left-hander, rookie Stephen Gonsalves, will serve as lead pitcher while the Tigers will turn to former Twins defender Francisco Liriano in what could be his last appearance as a Tiger.
Lirano recorded three consecutive high-quality starts, although he allowed three un-played points over six innings in a loss to the Royals on Friday.
Logan Forsythe of Minnesota is in a 1-for-18 tumble, but he is 7-in-12 in his career against Liriano.
Molitor won its 300th match on Wednesday against 343 losses since taking office in 2015.
"I got a little sneaky on me," Molitor said. "I did not realize it until Joe Mauer recognized it after the match, which was good. I guess baseball likes round numbers. Would like to reach 300 victories before having seen 300 losses, but that was not the case. Keep moving forward. "
The Twins have won 10 of the first 18 games this season and have already won their second consecutive season.
[ad_2]
Source link
