First Pitch: 7:10pm CDT
TV: FS-N
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: South Side Sox
Starting Pitchers
It's early for Brian in his major league career, and with so few major league innings are under his belt it's hard to say what to expect for his first major league start. On short notice he's going up the biggest rival the Twins have, with an opportunity for a sweep. In his 18 innings, his low-90's fastball and low-80's slider have been his better pitches, while the curve and changeup haven't been as effective. Good luck tonight, Mr. Duensing. Minnesota's got your back!
Contreras has had big games from time to time throughout his career, but as far as FIP is concerned this is his best season since his rookie year of 2003. The strikeout rates are up about a batter-and-a-half per nine innings and the slider looks good, but there are still a lot of red flags. The walks rates aren't good, he's stranding just 62% of his base runners and that splitter isn't as effective as it's been in years past. He's been on and off and in and out, but although a very rough first two months of the season has put him in a deep hole he's trying to climb out of it. Let's hope the Twins can make it a little harder.