Minnesota Twins: Who Starts in the Wild Card One Game Playoff?

Has Tommy Milone been the best starter?

Sep 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Tommy Milone (33) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Tommy Milone has been the most consistent pitcher this season. Never allowing more than five earned runs in any start. He is similar to Hughes, in that both pitch to contact. The difference is Milone does not blow hitters away with his fastball. Mixing in his off-speed pitches, Milone throws plenty of strikes. This season he has thrown strikes 63.1 percent of the time.  A fly ball pitcher, not allowing home runs is extremely important. When he keeps the ball in the yard he has a record of 7-1. Since coming off the DL on August 16 Milone has only given up two home runs. A trend that will need to continue for Milone.

Milone has been on the DL twice this season, each time coming back and pitching well. So far this season Milone has not had many failures. Although Milone has only pitched more than six innings six times in 21 starts. Not going deep into the game could put too much pressure on a bullpen that has been unpredictable at times.

In 2012, Milone made his only postseason start for the Oakland A’s. In that game he allowed just one run in six innings. Likely to face the Yankees or the Blue Jays in a wild card game, Milone in his career has allowed twice as many runs to the Blue Jays than the Yankees.

Disregarding the past, Milone is posting a 3.06 ERA in three starts this month. Why not ride the hot hand? The thought of a fly ball pitcher pitching in a one game wild card showdown against the home run hitting Blue Jays or at Yankee Stadium is frightening. Both are not ideal situations for Milone to pitch in.

Next: Tyler Duffey