Minnesota Twins probable pitchers & starting lineup vs. Boston Red Sox, May 5
By Josh Hill
What a time for Minnesota Sports, specifically teams that play at Target Plaza.
One side the Minnesota Timberwolves are on their best postseason run since 2004 when they reached the Western Conference Finals. Anthony Edwards has officially arrived as the next NBA superstar and might be quickly assuming the role as face of the entire league.
Meanwhile the Minnesota Twins are riding the best winning streak in baseball, and are on their hottest run since 2008. The Twins secured a 12th straight victory on Saturday and are going for a fourth consecutive series sweep on Sunday.
Things couldn't be goin better for the Twins, which is crazy to think considering they aren't even a complete team right now. Byron Buxton hit the 10-day IL on Friday, joining Royce Lewis as key players who are currently out of action.
Despite this, guys like Max Kepler and Ryan Jeffers have stepped up in massive ways, while Carlos Correa is quietly putting together an MVP campaign while proving why he's worth every penny of his $200 million contract.
Eventually the winning streak will end, but right now the high everyone is riding feels so good that even when the comedown hits it won't be that bad.
Twins vs. White Sox probable starting pitchers, May 5
Joe Ryan (1-1, 3.38 ERA) is on the mound for the Twins on Sunday, and will keep the edict alive that Chris Paddack started on Friday. Nobody wants to be the guy who ends the winning streak, and Ryan has a chance to not only help it continue but keep taking big steps forward as Minnesota's Robin to Pablo Lopez's Batman.
Target Field hasn't been his best friend this year, as Ryan owns a 4.67 ERA in three starts at home, but is averaging around six strikeouts per game over that stretch. Boston has proven to be less a formidable foe as they might have seemed, but it's still more than a simple tune-up start for Ryan. A good outing, though, will go a lot further than simply extending the streak and will keep building up the confidence of one of Minnesota's most important pitchers.
Over on Boston's side, it will be Cooper Criswell (2-1, 1.65 ERA) getting the nod for the fourth time this season. He's been mostly efficient in his innings, but has hardly put up stats that should terrify Twins hitters.
He does own a 0.98 WHIP, which is something Minnesota's offense will hopefully punch through. The Twins have scored fewer than four runs only twice during this winning streak, so as long as that production continues off starting pitchers and bullpens, it feels like that's enough run support to get the team all the way through to a win.
Minnesota Twins starting lineup, May 5
The Twins are slightly shuffling up the order for Sunday's series finale but most of the same guys who have been hot remain in the lineup. Edouard Julien moves back up to hitting second, while Alex Kirilloff continues to be Minnesota's leadoff hitter.
Here's what the full lineup looks like today:
- Alex Kirilloff, LF
- Edouard Julien, 2B
- Ryan Jeffers, C
- Max Kepler, RF
- Carlos Correa, SS
- Trecor Larnach, DH
- Willi Castro, CF
- Carlos Santana, 1b
- Jose Miranda, 3B
Boston Red Sox starting lineup, May 5
Note: Boston's lineup will be placed here once it is officially announced by Alex Cora.
What time is the Minnesota Twins game today?
- Game time: 1:10 pm CT
- Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Stadium: Target Field
How to watch Minnesota Twins game today
- Bally Sports website and Bally Sports App
- MLB.tv (subscription required)
- fuboTV (which has a free trial)
More Minnesota Twins news and rumors
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