Minnesota Twins: Series Against Cleveland Indians Could Be Telling

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May 7, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Ervin Santana bounce back after getting roughed up for the first time in 2017?

Starting pitcher Ervin Santana gets the nod for the first game of the series. He will face off against a solid starter in Josh Tomlin. Santana was roughed up by the Boston Red Sox in his last start, giving up six runs on five hits in six innings of work. It was his first loss of the season.

Santana needs to show he can bounce back from a rough outing in which he gave up four home runs. While the Sox lineup is full of power, so is the Tribe’s. Francisco Lindor has flashed the power, along with Jose Ramirez, Michael Brantley and Edwin Encarnacion. All of those guys are a threat to strike at anytime.

Santana had yet to have a bad outing in 2017 before last Sunday’s game. If he is able to recover, it will show he can be a true ace for the Twins going forward. With a 5-1 record and a 1.72 ERA in 47 innings of work, it is hard to bet against him.

The Twins need a true ace to be successful. They haven’t had one in quite a while. Santana has the chance to shine on Friday night. If he does, he will prove he has the guts to bounce back against a true World Series contender, something people have been doubtful of. He is not the only pitcher on the Twins who is having success that needs to prove he can keep going, however.