Twins versus Orioles rained out: Team stat dump instead

Apparently the weather in fake-Minnesota took a turn for the rainy tonight, as the game between the Twins and Orioles was cancelled. Instead, here is an update on team stats for the Fake Twins.

First, here are some team stats. Especially notable here is that the Twins have allowed fewer hits and a lower opponent batting average than any other team in the American League. Taylor Rogers has been especially effective here, holding opponents to .182/.250/.200 in 55 at bats. He’s only allowed on extra base hit as well. The Twins have also been surprises in team ERA, especially among the starters, and in home runs allowed.

The offense hasn’t been slouching either, as only team has scored more runs in the AL. Last season the team got it done with the Bomba. They are still hitting quite a few of those, but they are also getting on base as well. As a team they are hitting .261/.333/.452, good for 3rd/2nd/3rd in the AL.

When we get to batting numbers for specific players, Luis Arraez leads the team in batting average, and is among the top-ten players in the majors. Nelson Cruz leads the Twins in home runs, and is only a few off the pace of the top players in the big leagues as well. Perhaps the biggest surprise though, is Ehire Adrianza, who has been hitting very well in a utility role.

As mentioned above, Taylor Rogers is leading a very effective bullpen, and the Twins have also gotten phenomenal starting performances, with Jake Odorizzi proving that 2019 was not an aberration, and Jose Berrios stepping up. Randy Dobnak and Homer Bailey (prior to injury) had both been very pleasant surprises

Finally, the fielding stats—which are rather boring and I don’t think tell us much right now. Byron Buxton is number two in zone rating, behind Andrelton Simmons.

As I did in the last stat dump, we are going to do a “hitter of the month” and “pitcher of the month.” Even though May still has a week left.

Hitter of the Month goes to....

Luis Arraez: He’s played in 16 games, and is hitting .354/.368/.538 with a home run, a triple, and seven doubles.

and...

Pitcher of the Month goes to....

Jake Odorizzi: He’s averaging 7.0 innings per start, and has a 1.23 ERA for May. Opponents are hitting .134/.192/.237 off him, and he’s only given up three home runs in the month while striking out 26. He’s also faced more opposing batters this month than any other Twin, at 97 (Randy Dobnak is in second, although Jose Berrios has a slight lead in this category for the season.)

Tomorrow: The homestand continues against the White Sox. First pitch at 6:40 pm (look for a recap around 10 pm)

Standings:
MIN 30-19 —
CHW 27-22 3
CLE 28-23 3
DET 23-26 7
KCR 17-32 13