Danks is doing a lot of things right this season. He's averaging more than six innings per start, in striking out about seven batters per nine innings, has reduced his walk rate from last season, and for any number of reasons has drastically reduced his home run to fly ball ratio.
This is going to be an interesting game, watching Perkins make his first Major League appearance in one year and three days. If last year is anything to go by, we'll remind you that he throws a 90 mph fastball, a decent slider in the low 80s and a changeup in the same range.
He doen't get many swinging strikes, doesn't induce too many chase swings and is another Twins hurler who has to pitch to contact. To do himself a few favors tonight: keep the ball low, don't let Sox hitters sit on his fastball, and don't be afraid to come inside from time to time to keep them honest. From there, if the ball stays in the park and finds gloves, we'll be good to go. Viva Perkins!
Twins
Span, CF
Hudson, 2B
Mauer, C
Young, LF
Cuddyer, 1B
Kubel, DH
Valencia, 3B
Repko, RF
Hardy, SS
Sox
Pierre, LF
Ramirez, SS
Rios, CF
Konerko, 1B
Quentin, DH
Pierzynski, C
Viciedo, 3B
Jones, RF
Beckham, 2B