Notebook 7/22: Exhibition vs. Cubs Tonight at Wrigley

[Tom Froemming]

The Minnesota Twins play the Chicago Cubs in an exhibition game tonight at Wrigley Field. It’ll be the first time the Twins have faced off against another team since March 11, their last spring training game before the season was suspended.TODAY

Twins at Cubs, 6:10 pm CT

 

John, Seth and Nick will be co-hosting a live stream after this game ends. Just click on this link (or follow it from our Twitter or Facebook page) and you’ll be able to join Twins Daily’s writers as they immediately react to the game.

 

Twins: Homer Bailey, RHP

Bailey had surrendered just one earned run over five innings of work during Spring Training prior to the season being suspended. The 34-year-old had a 4.02 ERA over his final 20 starts of 2019.

 

Cubs: Jon Lester, LHP

Lester, on the other hand, posted a 5.06 ERA over his final 20 starts of last season. The veteran lefty has posted reverse platoon splits the past two seasons, surrendering an .838 OPS to southpaws in 2019 and an .878 mark in ‘18.

 

NEWS & NOTES

Unlike the Twins, the Cubs were able to take full advantage of the opportunity to play three exhibition games, playing the White Sox on Sunday and Monday.

 

This will be the only exhibition game the Twins play against another organization, but they’ve been treating their intrasquad scrimmages like “real” games for the most part. They’ve even been shifting the infield and deploying outfield alignments based on scouting reports.

 

 

I wonder if any of the hitters requested to see their own card.

 

It’ll be interesting to see how Rocco Baldelli fills out the lineup. He’s yet to tip his hand in regard to the batting order, but it seems like a safe assumption to expect tonight’s lineup to resemble the same one Rocco will roll with on Opening Day.

 

The Twins don’t have any major injuries or illnesses at this time, fortunately, but some question marks surround Jake Odorizzi, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sanó.

 

We know José Berríos will be starting the opener Friday against the White Sox, but it’s not clear at this time how the rotation shakes out from there. Odo was scratched from his scheduled start Sunday due to back stiffness. He’s expected to be fine, though not fully stretched out.

 

Buxton, who suffered a foot injury, has said he’ll be ready for the opener. While he worked out with the team Monday, Byron did not participate in the intrasquad scrimmage. Sanó is playing catchup after missing time due to a positive COVID test, but unlike Buxton, he was able to play in Monday’s scrimmage.

 

With expanded rosters, a shortened season and really no opportunities for guys to play in actual rehab games, I’m confident all three will be active based on the most recent updates. Still, it’s worth monitoring the situation with that trio

 

LINEUPS

 

Good luck in the first inning, Mr. Lester.

 

 

SEE ALSO

Join Twins Daily's Postgame Parley Wednesday Night

Who Will Provide Length in the Twins' Bullpen?

Now Is Not the Time to Doubt Byron Buxton

How Much Would a Key Injury or Two Hurt the Twins Postseason Chances?

Predicting Minnesota’s Final 30-Man Roster

 

Click here to view the article

[Matthew Taylor]

Tonight's lineup:

 

[Seth Stohs]

Twins announced their rotation for the White Sox series:

 

Friday: Berrios

Saturday: Hill

Sunday: Maeda

 

Odorizzi start pushed back due to the back stiffness he had a couple of days ago.

[pcq]

Sox SP's will be Giolito, Keuchel and Cease. Mazzara to the IL but Moncada played against the Cubs Monday.

[Squirrel]

Whooooa ... that's going to be an interesting lineup to watch tonight ...

 

Oh, wait ... I live in Chicago ... I don't get to watch because ... (I won't get into that)

[stringer bell]

There is a game thread set up to discuss today's game in the Minnesota Twins Talk Forum. Go there to have a discussion about the game tonight.

 

http://twinsdaily.com/topic/39070-game-thread-twins-cubs-7222020-605-pm-cdt/

[Aichiman]

Well Baily gets bombed.  How could we sign a pitcher named Homer?  I mean really!  I hear Philly just released an outfielder named "Mike Whiff."  Maybe we should pursue it?