First Pitch: 1:10pm CDT
TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Royals Review
Duensing is back on track, as over his last five starts he's put together a 2.41 ERA in 33.2 innings. Opponents have hit a meager .230/.299/.328 in that timeframe, as even right-handers haven't been teeing off on him. Extrapolate his numbers from those last five starts over a full season and he'd allow just 12 homers in over 200 innings.
His slider continues to be his best pitch in terms of batting average on balls in play (Inside Edge) and in terms of run value. No doubt the Royals will again fill their lineup with as many right-handed hitters as they can muster, in which case Duensing will also need to have good command over his changeup to stick to his preferred gameplan.
Paulino is a 27-year old righty who nobody would blame you if you'd never heard of him. He debuted with the Astros back in '07, made appearances there over the next couple seasons, was dealt to the Rockies last November for Clint Barmes, and was bought from Colorado by the Royals back in May.
He's never had a problem striking batters out, but he tends to walk too many guys and he can be exceptionally hittable. In the minors hits certainly weren't an issue, but at the Major League level where every hitter is a professional who can punish a certain number of mistakes he can't get away with suspect location. Hopefully the Twins can get to him early today.
Royals
Getz, 2B
Cabrera, CF
Gordon, LF
Butler, DH
Hosmer, 1B
Franoeur, RF
Betemit, 3B
Treanor, C
Escobar, SS
Twins
Revere, CF
Casilla, 2B
Mauer, C
Cuddyer, 1B
Thome, DH
Young, LF
Valencia, 3B
Plouffe, RF
Nishioka, SS