Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles Series Preview
Twins: The Twins have won 5 straight games against the Orioles at Target Field. The Twins were unbeaten in seven games against Baltimore last year, but lost all three games at Camden Yards to begin the 2016 season. Twins hope to get back both Brian Dozier (sore hamstring) and Kurt Suzuki (sore neck) against Baltimore.
The Twins did a better job coaxing walks and making the White Sox starters throw a higher number of pitches this past weekend, but were unable to cash in with the numerous runners on base. Joe Mauer is in a bit of a slump for the first time this season, hitting .111 (2-18) in the past week, dropping his average below .300 for the first time since April 9th.
Eduardo Nunez continues to collect hits, including two more Sunday to raise his average to .372 – which would be near the AL lead, if he had enough qualifying plate appearances. He and Washington’s Daniel Murphy are the only two players with multiple 4-hit games this season.
Notes: Twins’ left-handed reliever, Ryan O’Rourke, has cleared waivers and will report to AAA Rochester. Once the team establishes a more cogent bullpen, O’ Rourke would make a nice lefty-on-lefty pitcher. Lefties are 0-6 (with 2 BB) in 8 plate appearances against O’Rourke this season.
Eduardo Escobar and Nunez have accounted for 9 of the Twins’ 20 errors this season. While that ranks 21st against all other MLB teams, their -21 defensive runs saved is next-to-last, ahead by one run over the Atlanta Braves. Twins are leaving too many outs on the field, and not making proper routes in the outfield. With Molitor supposed history of being such a stickler for the “little things”, it’s one of the most disappointing aspects of the Twins’ play on the field this year.