Twins 5, Blue Jays 0: Get ready for the All-Star Break (simulated)

Today’s lineups:

MIN: Max Kepler RF, Jorge Polanco SS, Luis Arraez 2B, Josh Donaldson 3B, Eddie Rosario LF, Miguel Sano 1B, Nelson Cruz DH, Mitch Garver C, Byron Buxton CF, Kenta Maeda P

TOR: Cavan Biggio 2B, Billy McKinney RF, Vladimir Guerrero Jr 3B, Bo Bichette SS, Rowdy Tellez DH, Teoscar Hernandez CF, Travis Shaw 1B, Lourdes Gurriel Jr LF, Danny Jansen C, Nate Pearson P

Kenta Maeda shuts out another good opponent. I can get used to this.

Max Kepler opened the Minnesota half of the game with a Jacque Jones-style leadoff home run.

The rest of the Twins runs came in the sixth. Miguel Sano hit a lead off single. Nelson Cruz sac bunted him to second, for some stupid reason. Mitch Garver walked, then Max Kepler hit a two-out RBI double. Jorge Polanco finished the scoring for the night, clearing the bases with a three-run home run.

That’s the shortest scoring summary in awhile. This post isn’t short though, because there is some fun stuff at the bottom, as relates to the All-Star Game!

Notes

• For reasons that will soon be apparent, Jose Berrios’ start was skipped, and Kenta Maeda pitched on short rest.
• Due to a lack of bullpen options, Zack Littell was optioned, and Edwar Colina was called up to join the pen prior to this game. In his debut, Colina pitched 1.2 innings with two hits, no runs, a walk, and three strikeouts.
• Max Kepler won AL Player of the week honors

STUDS:

Max Kepler: 2-5, 2RBI, double, HR
Jorge Polanco: 2-4, HR, BB, 3 RBI

DUDS:

No Duds, Twins win!

Tomorrow: No game due to the All-Star Break. The Twins next play on Friday, 7/17, in the Rangers’ new home.

Standings:
MIN 56-42 —
CLE 52-44 3
CHW 51-44 3 1/2
DET 45-52 10 1/2
KCR 36-61 19 1/2

The Twins will have a strong contingent in the All-Star Game this year. They are led by top overall vote-getter, Miguel Sano, who received over 3.5 million votes. The Twins have more players in the game than any other AL team, with all of their “regulars” appearing in the top-three of voting for their position, as well as a few pitchers.

Here are the Twins who were in the running, and their standing at their position

Mitch Garver (1)
Miguel Sano (1)
Luis Arraez (1)
Josh Donaldson (2)
Jorge Polanco (1)
Eddie Rosario (3)
Byron Buxton (3)
Max Kepler (1)
Nelson Cruz (2)
Jose Berrios (2)
Taylor Rogers (2)
Matt Wisler (4)

That’s right, 12 Twins in strong consideration. Garver, Sano, Arraez, Polanco, and Kepler made the roster, all as starters on the position side. Berrios, Wisler, and Rogers all make it as pitchers.

Alex Kirilloff and Royce Lewis were both selected to participate in the All-Star Futures Game.