Opening Day Roster

The Twins opening day roster has come into full focus, complete with a few surprises, as is tradition. The big surprise is a five-man bench, and a shorter pitching staff.

In all its glory, here you go!

Outfielders:

Byron Buxton
Eddie Rosario
Max Kepler
Jake Cave
Marwin Gonzalez

Infielders:

C.J. Cron
Jonathan Schoop
Jorge Polanco
Ehire Adrianza
Tyler Austin

Catchers:

Jason Castro
Mitch Garver
Willians Astudillo

DH:

Nelson Cruz

Starting Pitchers:

Jose Berrios
Kyle Gibson
Jake Odorizzi
Michael Pineda

Relief Pitchers:

Martin Perez
Blake Parker
Trevor May
Taylor Rogers
Ryne Harper
Trevor Hildenberger
Adalberto Mejia

The Twins went heavily invested in the bench, as had been speculated. Due to off days and some interleague games in NL parks, the pitching staff will get some extra rest, while the bench bats will come in handy. Tyler Austin and Ehire Adrianza are both out of options, so this delays the inevitable crunch for a few weeks as well.

The Twins will begin the season with a four man rotation. Martin Perez will begin the season in the bullpen, where he has had success in the past, before transitioning into a presumed starting role when the Twins need a fifth starter. Injuries hit the projected bullpen hard, and created some opportunity, as Matt Magill, Addison Reed, and Gabriel Moya will all start the season on the Injured List.

Injuries also come into play in the infield. Dan Hayes is reporting that Jorge Polanco is suffering some shoulder fatigue. The Twins will give him some rest, and if he needs to begin the season on the Injured List, Ronald Torreyes will break camp in his stead. We already knew Miguel Sano would begin the season on the Injured List.