First Pitch: 11:37 AM CST
TV: FSN
Bonus: MLB.tv Free Game of the Day
Radio: 96.3 KTWIN, TIBN
Know Thine Enemy: Bluebird Banter
It sounds like Josmil Pinto is going to be sent down to Triple-A with probably Eric Fryer replacing him, and Eduardo Nunez gets the start at shortstop instead of Eduardo Escobar. While it's disappointing to see Pinto demoted, the truth is that his bat has been struggling lately and his defense has been predictably bad at catcher. He should get regular playing time at Triple-A and I'm sure that if Kurt Suzuki starts to struggle, the Twins won't take long to recall Pinto. Also, Sam Fuld should be back shortly, which is good since Aaron Hicks has a bum shoulder right now.
The Twins send staff ace Phil Hughes to the mound in the rubber game. He's been pitching much better this year thanks to limiting the walks and the home runs, so if he can keep Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, and the rest of the Jays from hitting round-trippers, he should be just fine today.
Facing him is rookie Marcus Stroman who is making just his third start and eighth appearance of his career. While his 5.40 ERA looks pretty bad, it's just been a function of allowing too many hits as the rest of his numbers look very good. Toss in a mid-90s fastball and if he's on, he'll be giving the Twins fits today.
Twins
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Danny Santana, CF -
Brian Dozier, 2B -
Joe Mauer, 1B -
Josh Willingham, LF -
Kendrys Morales, DH -
Oswaldo Arcia, RF -
Trevor Plouffe, 3B -
Kurt Suzuki, C -
Eduardo Nunez, SS
SP Phil Hughes
Blue Jays
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Jose Reyes, SS -
Melky Cabrera, LF -
Jose Bautista, RF -
Edwin Encarnacion, DH -
Adam Lind, 1B -
Brett Lawrie, 3B -
Erik Kratz, C -
Steve Tolleson, 2B -
Anthony Gose, CF
SP Marcus Stroman