Game 139: Twins at Astros

First Pitch: 7:10 CDT

TV: FSNO

Radio: WCCO 830 AM, TIBN

Know Thine Enemy: Crawfish Boxes

Starters:

Twins starter Jake Odorizzi has been pitching better as of late, with a 3.77 ERA in six August outings. But he still gets into trouble when he goes beyond five innings, such as his last game throwing five scoreless frames before giving up 3 runs in the 6th. He might be a good option to use as a primary pitcher with an opener as argued in this article from our own Andrew Bryzgornia.

The Astros will go with rookie lefty Framber Valdez. While he posted mediocre numbers in the minors, he is off to a good start in the majors with a 1.26 ERA so far in 14.1 innings pitched. You can read more about Valdez in this article from the always great SBN writer John Sickels at Minor League Ball.

Notes: Miguel Sano was carted off the field last night after injuring in left leg while sliding into second base. This injury looked bad, but x-rays were negative and appears to be just a bruised leg. His return date from certain leg amputation has yet to be determined.

Lineups:

Astros

1. George Springer - CF
2. Jose Altuve - 2B
3. Alex Bregman - SS
4. Tyler White - 1B
5. Yuli Gurriel - 3B
6. Brian McCann - C
7. Josh Reddick - RF
8. Evan Gattis - DH
9. Tony Kemp - LF

Twins

1. Logan Forsythe - 2B
2. Jorge Polanco - SS
3. Robbie Grossman - LF
4. Mitch Garver - C
5. Tyler Austin - 1B
6. Ehire Adrianza - 3B
7. Max Kepler - CF
8. Willians Astudillo - DH
9. Johnny Field - RF

Music: