First Pitch: 7:10pm CDT
TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: DRaysBay
The Tampa Bay Rays come to town tonight to begin a three game set at Target Field. Last weekend in Tampa, the Rays took three of four games in a close-fought series, one that could have easily gone 3-1 Twins if not for blown save opportunities in two of the four games. The Rays come in hot, winning 10 of their last 13 games after a terrible 1-8 start. The Twins come in on a three game winning streak of their own, seeing the offense finally come to life scoring 14 runs in two games against the Cleveland Indians.
Weather is expected to be nasty through Wednesday, so by the time you read this tonight's game may already be postponed. Patrick Reusse notes that with Tampa returning to Target Field in early July, a day night doubleheader is a strong possibility for 4th of July.
Francisco Liriano does not look happy in the picture above. This is probably due to a 7.40 ERA and 35 base runners allowed in just over 20 innings. Control has been a major problem so far, as Liriano has given up 14 walks, over 6 per nine innings, almost double his career average of 3.29. Last week, Liriano shut down the Baltimore Orioles in his best start of the season, but he gave up five walks in that start as well. Because Friday's game against the Indians was rained out, Liriano will be pitching on seven days (more if tonight's game is postponed) rest, hopefully his command will improve as a result.
Wade Davis comes in with an impressive ERA and WHIP, but with only 10 strikeouts in 26.1 innings, not to mention a 46 % fly ball rate, he appears to be outperforming his fielding independent pitching (xFIP) metric (5.12) by well over two runs per game. Expect a correction at some point, as fly balls start leaving the yard.