GameThread: Twins at Rays, Game 20

First Pitch: 6:10 pm CST

TV: FSN

Radio: 96.3 KTWIN, TIBN

Know Thine Enemy: DRaysBay

For a time, I thought that David Price was going to either no-hit the Twins or strike out 15. He didn't accomplish either, but he did throw a complete game against them yesterday. Though lineups aren't out yet, part of me wonders if Sam Fuld won't get the start in center field today with right-hander Jake Odorizzi on the mound for the Rays.

Did you know that Odorizzi came over in the James Shields trade with Wil Myers two offseasons ago? If you watched more than 20 minutes of yesterday's game, you likely heard that from Dick 'n' Bert. Odorizzi has spent a little time in the majors for the past two years, but this is the first season where he's getting an extended look thanks to injuries to the Tampa Bay rotation. Along with Chris Archer, Odorizzi is one of the top pitching prospects in the Rays organization and at 24 years old, he's hoping to become a long-term answer as a starting pitcher.

Odorizzi has the standard 4-pitch mix (fastball, change-up, curveball, slider) and he doesn't really overpower hitters with any of his pitches.

This year was supposed to be when Pelfrey became stronger as it's his second year after Tommy John surgery, but thus far that has not been the case. His control has been absolutely awful as he's allowed nearly a walk per inning pitched and has given up 5 home runs in 14 2/3 innings. His velocity has been down by over a mile per hour this year, and yet he's decided to throw it even more than usual (80%, last year was around 72%).

I don't know if Pelfrey's spot is in jeopardy right now, but if his struggles continue and with Alex Meyer not lighting the world on fire in Triple-A, I wonder if Samuel Deduno may trade roles with Pelfrey. As mentioned before, he throws his fastball almost all the time, but will still mix in a few splitters, curves, and cutters.