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Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankees Series Preview

By Scott Wessels

Jun 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar (5) forces out New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) at second base and throws the ball to first base in the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar (5) forces out New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) at second base and throws the ball to first base in the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Twins Visit Big Apple for Weekend Series

The Minnesota Twins will visit the Yankees on a rebound visit after hosting them for four games last weekend. A few lineup changes as Tommy Milone makes his belated first start after being designated for assignment, sent to Rochester, and recalled last weekend.

Oswaldo Arcia, prior to any claim being placed on him (thus losing him for nothing), was traded today to Tampa for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Miguel Sano begins his rehab assignment tonight, playing third base (!) for at least 5 innings tonight.

His rehab stint may need to be cut short, however, if Trevor Plouffe‘s groin strain prompts the Twins to place him on the disabled list. In that case, Sano would be recalled to take Plouffe’s place. Plouffe said today that his groin is responding well to treatment and he hopes to avoid the DL.

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But, being a soft tissue injury, the worst usually is felt 2 to 3 days after the injury – so for now, he’s listed as day-to-day. Luckily, the Twins have super-sub Eduardo Nunez available to take over third in his short term absence, and he will man third base tonight and bat lead-off.

They will be facing the Yankees once again, fresh off two off days this week. They split a pair of games against the Colorado Rockies, leaving them one game below .500 – right where they were after taking 3 of 4 from the Twins last weekend.

Friday Night Game

Tommy Milone (0-1, 5.79 ERA) vs Masahiro Tanaka (4-2, 2.91 ERA)

6:05 CDT Yankees Stadium

TV: Fox Sports North

Saturday Day Game

Ervin Santana (2-7, 4.83 ERA) vs Michael Pineda (3-7, 5.82 ERA)

12:05 CDT Yankees Stadium

TV: MLB-Network (Out of Market) & FSN

Sunday Day Game

Tyler Duffey (2-6, 6.18 ERA) vs Nathan Eovaldi (6-4, 5.02 ERA)

12:05 CDT Yankees Stadium

TV: Fox Sports North

New York: Pitching matchups will be slightly different with the two off days for the Yankees this week. Michael Pineda struggled in a 7-6 win over the Twins as he takes on Ervin Santana for the Twins, as he looks to win two in a row over the Bronx Bombers after winning last Sunday’s game.

With a lefty (Milone) finally pitching for the Twins, we’ll see a little different lineup than we did last weekend. Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Ike Davis will all be on the bench in favor of right handed bats.

Minnesota: Milone makes his first start in two months. Twins hope he can bring the high-strike version he showed at Rochester since his demotion. Instead of picking away at hitters, Milone went right at them, utilizing the inside of the plate as well. An over-worked bullpen could use 7, 8 innings from Milone to open the series.

Sunday’s start will be a big one for Tyler Duffey. He’s allowed at least four runs in seven consecutive starts. Another bad outing could see him demoted to AAA to work on his own approach, much like Milone.

Next: Oswaldo Arcia Traded to Rays

For what it’s worth, top prospect Jose Berrios threw 8 scoreless innings last night, striking out 9 batters and walking two. He pitch an efficient 8 complete, throwing only 88 pitches.

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