Twins vs. Gophers Spring Training start time, lineups, TV info, and how to tune in

After a long, often furstrating winter, Minnesota Twins baseball is finally back.

It's going to be a Minnesota baseball bonanza down in Florida, with the Twins taking on the University of Minnesota's baseball team in an exhibition game that doubles as a warm-up for action that will unfold over the course of the next month.

Twins vs. Gophers start time and location

It won't count as an official Spring Training game, but tonight's Twins-Gophers game will still take place at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm CT, and will be one of only a few games over the next month that Minnesota doesn't play in the afternoon window.

• Date: Friday, February 23rd
• Start Time: 5:05 pm CT
• TV Channel: N/A
• Live Stream: N/A
• Announcers: Kris Atteberry, Dan Gladden

How to watch Twins vs. Gophers Spring Training game

Unfortunately tonight's Spring Training opener isn't going to be televised. Technically it's not the official opener, as that'll be on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates -- a game that also will not be televised.

In fact, 11 games of the spring will not air on television with the first game that fans will be able to watch not occuring until March 12th against the Tigers. Even that's going to be a little wonky, as the Bally Sports North will be simulcasting the first four televised Twins games with the first official broadcast not happening until March 20th -- also against the Tigers.

That means we'll have to wait until the season is almost here for the debut of new play-by-play announcer Cory Provus.

How to listen to Twins vs. Gophers Spring Training game

While tonight's game won't be on television, it will be able to tune in on the radio.

Nothing like a little blast from the past. Turning back the clock to Ye Ol Days before TV existed. Truthfully, listening to Twins games on the radio -- or any baseball game -- has a certain charm that is lost when trying to do it with other sports (although Paul Allen's Vikings calls remain iconically manic).

Here's how to tune in on the radio:

Those are going to be the main radio hubs for Twins baseball this year, with the Treasure Island Baseball Network being what threads them all together. Be sure to check your local affiliate that carries the TIBN so that you can tune in.

Minnesota Twins lineup and starting pitcher vs. Gophers

Tonight is an exhibition game, which means we won't see the lineup we'll probably start seeing throughout Spring Training. That being said, it's going to be a tone setter for fans getting a good look at some of the exciting prospects the Twins have in the pipeline.

Notably, Brooks Lee is going to be batting leadoff against the Gophers, as he begins a journey this spring that could end with him on the Opening Day roster.

Chris Paddack will be on the moun for the first of what fans are hoping is many successful starts. He's being pegged as someone who might be able to help fill the voide left by Sonny Gray this winter, and he's indicated a desire to turn in a ton of innings this season.

Friday will be his first start since before missing almost all of last season with an injury.

Other players to keep an eye on include Yunior Severino and Emmanuel Rodriguez, both of whom the Twins added to the 40-man roster to protect from the Rule 5 Draft. Neither are on the track that Austin Martin or Brooks Lee are on, but both could be September call-ups if all goes well.

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