Now Is the Time for Minnesota's Lefty Bats to Shine

[Nick Nelson]

The Houston Astros announced their ALDS roster on Saturday, and it includes only one left-handed pitcher: Game 2 (and 5?) starter Framber Valdez.

This staff makeup sets the Minnesota Twins up to play to their considerable offensive strengths.

Image courtesy of Matt Krohn, Matt Blewett, Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Twins offense was revitalized in the second half of the season, improving from 24th in runs and 21st in wOBA before the All-Star break to fifth and third thereafter.

It's no secret that a group of left-handed hitters led the charge in this turnaround. The additions of rookies Edouard Julien and Matt Wallner, along with the return of Alex Kirilloff and the awakening of veteran cleanup hitter Max Kepler, played primary roles in Minnesota's rise from ineffectual to elite over the course of the season.

Of course, the flip side to having several left-handed batters powering your lineup is that you become susceptible to lefty pitching. We certainly saw that this year with the Twins, who finished fifth in wRC+ against RHP and 15th against LHP.

Opposing managers often sought to exploit this weakness, turning to left-handed relievers early in games and trying to force Rocco Baldelli's hand into removing some of his best bats from the lineup for late-game scenarios. We saw this play out as recently as Game 2 of the ALWC, although swapping out Jose Berrios for Yusei Kikuchi in the fourth didn't work out so well for John Schneider and the Jays.

Alas, the Astros will be unable to even attempt such a strategy, because they have not one single left-handed reliever in their ALDS bullpen. Julien, Wallner, Kirilloff and Kepler will be at no risk of being pulled out of a game based purely on match-up reasons. And while the presence of stellar southpaw starter Framber Valdez looms large, Houston's all-RHP bullpen will be ripe for pinch-hitting opportunities from the likes of Julien and Wallner.

Now, it bears noting that Houston's righty relievers tend to be quite effective against left-handers, but still, I'll take these 2023 platoon splits against a right-handed hurler any day:

• Edouard Julien: .274/.401/.497
• Matt Wallner: .281/.409/.561
• Alex Kirilloff: .300/.373/.485
• Max Kepler: .263/.335 /.497

The Twins got to this point, in large part, on the shoulders of their outstanding core of left-handed bats. Now those bats will have every chance to push Minnesota to the next stage. The offensive support will likely be needed against a Houston lineup full of premier hitters who are imposing in any match-up.

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[stringer bell]

Surprising move by the Astros, but it also shows their confidence in their RH bullpen options. I expect Farmer, Castro and Solano to start against Framber, but otherwise AK, Julien and Wallner will be in there for the duration. 

[DocBauer]

I'm glad Kirilloff was mentioned as too often it just feels like Julien, Wallner, and Lewis have been the primary focus the past few months. (Yes, Lewis is RH).

AK's season began slow as they were being patient with his rehab and ramp up following his wrist/forearm surgery. As a result of that delayed start, and then an injury to his shoulder on a dive that, thankfully, had obviously nothing to do with his previous wrist issues, he has played roughly half a season. 

In 319 PA and 284 AB he stoked 14 2B/ 1 3B/ 11 HR/ 41 RBI. His quad slash line was .270/ .348/ .445/ .793/ with an OPS+ of 117. Those are good numbers from a still only 25yo top prospect who's lingering wrist injury seems to have been finally "cured". And what I find most encouraging is that about mid season...after time to get secure in his wrist and get his timing down...we started to see his power manifest. Unfortunately, he did have the shoulder issue. And that's slowed his progress a bit. But he did show a few power signs just as the season was winding down.

We talk a lot about the great turnaround by Kepler...deservedly so...as well as the young group of Wallner, Julien, and Lewis, but I'm so excited to finally have a healthy Kirilloff ready to take the next step.

[PopRiveter]

At midseason, I was convinced Max Kepler's chances for a MN legacy had passed him by. Here we are and he is positioned to lead this young offense into battle as the most reliable veteran bat at this juncture. My how quickly things can change.

[Parfigliano]

Time for the rookie bats to shine on the national stage.

[JD-TWINS]

No lefties in the Pen could be where we make hay v. the Astros……….patience with starters ……….get pitch count up and then let’s extend their Pen. If we can set a pattern in Houston we can roll once back in Minnesota.

Mid fifties back in Minnesota next week for high temperatures………hopefully, some mild advantage!

[tony&rodney]

It might be fair to say that the season sits in the hands of the Twins left-handed hitters.

[D.C Twins]

As I stated in a separate thread... Wallner has been completely overwhelmed during his ABs even against RHP during the playoffs.

He needs to be replaced in the starting lineup ASAP.