Minnesota Twins Face Off Against West Leading Mariners
After suffering through losing series after series against AL Central & Eastern division foes, the Twins finally head out West took take on the Mariners and Athletics in the next 6 days. Maybe Pacific Coast time zone baseball will shake the Twins out of their doldrums.
After finally snapping their losing streak to the Kansas City Royals, the Twins were able to enjoy an off day soaking up a win. Unfortunately, the Twins were hit with some depressing news as Neil Allen was arrested for a DWI early Thursday morning.
Minnesota suspended Allen indefinitely after the arrest was announced. Minor league pitching coordinator, Eric Rasmussen, who was at the Ft. Myers minor league complex, was named interim pitching coach.
More from Puckett's Pond
- Minnesota Twins: 2022 Year in Review for Twins Baseball
- Minnesota Twins: Making the Case for the Current 2023 Rotation
- Minnesota Twins: Does the MLB or the Twins have a Spending Problem?
- Minnesota Twins: 2 Possible Free Agent Reunions for 2023
- Minnesota Twins: Holiday Wish List for the rest of the Offseason
With the suspension, it will be interesting to see how the pitching staff responds to a new voice in Rasmussen. He’s a voice they are familiar with at Spring Training, and with whom many of the younger arms a extremely familiar with as Rasmussen has been with the Twins in his capacity since 2008. Interestingly, Rasmussen interviewed for the pitching coach position after manager Paul Molitor was hired, losing out to Neil Allen.
In Seattle, the Twins face another division-leading foe. The surprising Mariners (28-18) are finally reaping the rewards of their signing of Robinson Cano in the 2013 off-season. Cano leads the American League in home runs (14) and is currently second to David Ortiz in RBI with 43.
Friday Night Game
Pat Dean (0-1, 3.86 ERA) vs Felix Hernandez (4-3, 2.21 ERA)
9:10 CDT Safeco Field
TV: Fox Sports North
Saturday Night Game
Phil Hughes (1-7, 5.55 ERA) vs Wade Miley (5-2, 4.50 ERA)
9:10 CDT Safeco Field
TV: Fox Sports North
Sunday Day Game
Ricky Nolasco (1-3, 5.54 ERA) vs Taijuan Walker (2-4, 2.70 ERA)
3:10 CDT Safeco Field
TV: Fox Sports North
Next: Seattle Breakdown