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Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/10/2026 at 7:30 AM, Riverbrian said:

I didn't roster Tristan Gray... I would have looked for a young SS to compete with Lee and Lewis. Tristan just happens to be who the Twins gave a roster spot to. If you have 4 infielders for 3 spots... Equal rotation would be 3 games every 4. Nobody needs to put on a waiting list and we don't have to suffer the potential fate of Brooks Lee failing and nobody else to turn to. Which means they will have to start over. 

And then injuries... make them regulars. Could be for a short stretch... sometimes longer stretches. You can roster someone who you hope never plays. Or you can roster someone who makes an injury hurt the team less.

Two choices... You can roster someone who competes for playing time or someone who you hope you don't have to play. Whoever you choose will get the playing time when Lewis gets hurt.

Lewis spraining his knee while swinging a bat isn't surprising. We can mitigate it by driving your roster forward 13 deep instead of 9 deep. 

Tristan Gray... Ryan Kriedler in a platoon role tying up two roster spots. That's how prepped we were for a Lewis injury. That's how prepped we are for a Lee injury. 

 

Old-Timey Member
Posted
21 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Last Game - Left Handed Starter Handed

April 10 - Patrick Corbin - Loss - Runs Scored 4

Lineup Composition 4 RH 3 SWITCH 2 LH

Record vs RH Starter - 3 - 5

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.13

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Seasons Accumulated Stats vs Right Handed Starter

Record vs LH starter - 4-2

Season Average Runs scored vs RH starter 5.17

Last Game - Left Handed Starter

April 11 - Eric Lauer - Win - Runs Scored 7

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 3 Switch - 1 LH

Record vs. LH Starter - 4-5

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter - 4,44

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Right Handed Starter

Record vs RH Starter - 4-2

Season Average Runs scored vs RH Starter 5.17

Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/7/2026 at 7:26 PM, Jim H said:

Ok. Just how are you implementing this compete for playing time idea? While I agree players need to earn playing time, one way you earn it is by dominating in the minors. So if you  have earned a promotion to the majors I think they deserve an extended opportunity to adjust to the better competition. 

I also think there is a place on the roster for versatile backups who may not be good enough to play everyday but can contribute good defense at several positions, be a starter for short time when someone is on IL, and sometimes they even earn  a full time or a platoon role.

I think right now Larnach has probably played himself into a platoon role. The problem with that is Martin had an extended opportunity at the end of last season to play left field everyday and basically succeeded at it. 

My question for you is how does compete for playing time work in this situation? I want see Martin playing left field almost every because he's earned the opportunity and because Larnach seems to better suited to platoon dh. I also think that Martin may eventually prove he can't provide enough offense to be an everyday left fielder.  I just don't want that decided before he has a reasonable chance to prove it, one way or the other.

So what the Twins are likely going to do is try to get both of them "fair" playing time. Leaving one or the other on the bench for 3-4 games in a row, pinch hitting for one of them in the 5th inning, playing one of them in a position they usually don't play, or some other goofy thing.

Now, I realize that none of this is what you are advocating for. I am just afraid that when the Twins try to allow "compete for for playing time" this is what you are going to get.

Sorry about scattering all of this. The post would be too long and I didn't have long enough blocks of available time. 

There are two reasons why a team should consider what I'm suggesting. 

1. Budget: We have a budget... we have always had a budget and I don't care if Elon Musk is our new owner... the Twins will always have a budget. A budget that can't compete with the budgets of the big boys. We will need to develop our way to glory because we can't afford the development successes of other organizations. I see no reason to knock my head repeatedly against the revenue wall. I've resigned to the fact that we can't compete financially. against the money being spent by other teams. Even if we pump payroll up to 180 million. It won't be enough to not make development your top priority. We have to produce a significant number of players who contribute and make the minimum. 

2. Failure Rate: If development is necessary and it is... you better be strongly considering the failure rate. All of us have different opinions on players. None of us can declare we are right... we don't know. The front offices know a lot more than we do but even with all of that knowledge... they can get it wrong... they get it wrong frequently. Every year... the mistakes are easy to be found. With all 30 organizations. They can't and don't get it right all the time. They miss often. If they miss and they do... how can anyone confidently put all eggs in one basket. 

If your M&M making machine produces a significant percentage of M&M's without a shell. You have to run more through just to fill a bag. You can't just let them melt in your hand before trying again. 

The only protection from all of this is running 13 through instead of running 9 through. 

Running 9 through... You have to be right. You can't miss. 

Old-Timey Member
Posted
17 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Last Game - Left Handed Starter

April 11 - Eric Lauer - Win - Runs Scored 7

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 3 Switch - 1 LH

Record vs. LH Starter - 4-5

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter - 4,44

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Right Handed Starter

Record vs RH Starter - 4-2

Season Average Runs scored vs RH Starter 5.17

Last Game - Right Handed Starter

April 13 - Max Scherzer - Win - Runs Scored 8

Lineup Composition 1 RH 3 Switch 5 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 5-2

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starter 5.57

----------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 4-5

Season Average Runs vs LH Starter 4.44

Community Moderator
Posted

Not to bump your research, but this one is currently irking me:

The Saints currently only have one relief pitcher under the age of 27 on the roster. And that one player, Marco Raya, is the only one they drafted.

Can this team please stop trying to fortify the pen with older players other teams don't want? 

Old-Timey Member
Posted

I do intend to keep this updated all year. I got a little behind this week so I'm updating the entire Red Sox series in one post because on Tuesday I became a Grandpa. First of many I hope.

Left Handed Starter

April 13 - Garrett Crochet - Win - Runs Scored 13

Lineup Composition 5 RH 3 Switch 1 LH

Record vs Left Handed Starter 5-5

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 5.30

------------------------------------------------------------------

Right Handed Starter

April 14 - Sonny Gray - Win - Runs Scored 6

Lineup Composition 2 RH 3 Switch 4 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 6-2

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starter 5.63

------------------------------------------------------------------

Last Game - Left Handed Starter

April 15 - Connelly Early - Loss - Runs Scored 5

Lineup Composition 5 RH 3 Switch 1 LH

Record vs Left Handed Starter 5-6

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 5.27

 

 

Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/13/2026 at 4:59 PM, nicksaviking said:

Not to bump your research, but this one is currently irking me:

The Saints currently only have one relief pitcher under the age of 27 on the roster. And that one player, Marco Raya, is the only one they drafted.

Can this team please stop trying to fortify the pen with older players other teams don't want? 

This off-season wasn't what many here were hoping for... including myself. 

After the trade deadline... many thought it was a beginning of a youth movement. The trade deadline was the end of the youth movement. 

I thought it was a good time to flood the system with youth. The Twins really did the opposite... especially in the pen. They flooded the bullpen with non-youth.  

This flood could also include Chafin and Hendriks who were released and then replaced by Drew Smith and Brebbia. 

I like to refer to our bullpen as crafty. It's crafty in St. Paul as well. 

Raya is perhaps the only young starter that they converted to bullpen duty.

I think we will see some conversions on the fly as necessity requires. However... I thought we would see a little youth movement.   

Verified Member
Posted
On 4/12/2026 at 2:10 PM, Riverbrian said:

Sorry about scattering all of this. The post would be too long and I didn't have long enough blocks of available time. 

There are two reasons why a team should consider what I'm suggesting. 

1. Budget: We have a budget... we have always had a budget and I don't care if Elon Musk is our new owner... the Twins will always have a budget. A budget that can't compete with the budgets of the big boys. We will need to develop our way to glory because we can't afford the development successes of other organizations. I see no reason to knock my head repeatedly against the revenue wall. I've resigned to the fact that we can't compete financially. against the money being spent by other teams. Even if we pump payroll up to 180 million. It won't be enough to not make development your top priority. We have to produce a significant number of players who contribute and make the minimum. 

2. Failure Rate: If development is necessary and it is... you better be strongly considering the failure rate. All of us have different opinions on players. None of us can declare we are right... we don't know. The front offices know a lot more than we do but even with all of that knowledge... they can get it wrong... they get it wrong frequently. Every year... the mistakes are easy to be found. With all 30 organizations. They can't and don't get it right all the time. They miss often. If they miss and they do... how can anyone confidently put all eggs in one basket. 

If your M&M making machine produces a significant percentage of M&M's without a shell. You have to run more through just to fill a bag. You can't just let them melt in your hand before trying again. 

The only protection from all of this is running 13 through instead of running 9 through. 

Running 9 through... You have to be right. You can't miss. 

From one Brian to another, thank-you for taking me on that explanation journey, a lot to think about and masticate on!  Maybe that common Brian typo should be applied here and your screen name should be @RiverBrain =)

Old-Timey Member
Posted
3 hours ago, MN Brian said:

From one Brian to another, thank-you for taking me on that explanation journey, a lot to think about and masticate on!  Maybe that common Brian typo should be applied here and your screen name should be @RiverBrain =)

Us Brian's get that a lot. LOL

Old-Timey Member
Posted

Left Handed Starter

April 17 - Ben Williamson - Loss - Runs Scored 1

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 3 Switch - 1 LH

Record vs Left Handed Starter 5-7

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.92

 

Last Game - Left Handed Starter

April 18 - Andrew Abbott - Loss - Runs Scored 4

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 2 Switch - 2 LH

Record vs Left Hander Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Right Handed Starter

Record vs RH Starter 6-2

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starter 5.63

 

Old-Timey Member
Posted

Last Game - Right Handed Starter

April 19 - Brady Singer - Loss - Runs Scored 4

Lineup Composition 2 RH - 3 Switch - 4 LH

Record vs Right Hander Starter 6 - 3

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starter 5.44

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/20/2026 at 7:06 AM, Riverbrian said:

Last Game - Right Handed Starter

April 19 - Brady Singer - Loss - Runs Scored 4

Lineup Composition 2 RH - 3 Switch - 4 LH

Record vs Right Hander Starter 6 - 3

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starter 5.44

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 20 - Nolan McLean - Win - Runs Scored 5

Lineup Composition 4 RH - 2 Switch - 3 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-3

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starter 5.40

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/22/2026 at 8:14 PM, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 20 - Nolan McLean - Win - Runs Scored 5

Lineup Composition 4 RH - 2 Switch - 3 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-3

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starter 5.40

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 22 - Clay Holmes - Loss - Runs Scored 2

Lineup Composition 3 RH - 3 Switch - 3 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-4

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH 5.09

-----------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/23/2026 at 5:59 AM, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 22 - Clay Holmes - Loss - Runs Scored 2

Lineup Composition 3 RH - 3 Switch - 3 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-4

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH 5.09

-----------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Last game Right Handed Starter

April 23 - Christian Scott - Loss - Runs scored 8

Lineup Composition - 4 RH - 2 Switch - 3 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-5

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH 5.33

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/24/2026 at 6:49 AM, Riverbrian said:

Last game Right Handed Starter

April 23 - Christian Scott - Loss - Runs scored 8

Lineup Composition - 4 RH - 2 Switch - 3 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-5

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH 5.33

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 24 - Drew Rasmussen - Runs Scored 2

Lineup Composition  3 RH - 2 Switch - 4 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-6

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH 5.08

-------------------------------------------------------------- 

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Old-Timey Member
Posted
22 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 24 - Drew Rasmussen - Runs Scored 2

Lineup Composition  3 RH - 2 Switch - 4 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-6

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH 5.08

-------------------------------------------------------------- 

Season Accumulated Stats vs Left Handed Starter

Record vs LH Starter 5-8

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.85

Last Game Left Handed Starter 

April 25 - Shane Mclanahan - 1 Run Scored

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 2 Switch - 1 LH

Record vs Left Handed Starter 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH 4.57

--------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs RH Starters

Record vs RH Starters 7-6

Seasons Average Runs Scored vs RH starter 5.08

Old-Timey Member
Posted
19 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Left Handed Starter 

April 25 - Shane Mclanahan - 1 Run Scored

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 2 Switch - 1 LH

Record vs Left Handed Starter 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH 4.57

--------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs RH Starters

Record vs RH Starters 7-6

Seasons Average Runs Scored vs RH starter 5.08

Last Game Right Handed Opener and Bulk

April 26 - Jax/Shultens - 2 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 3 RH - 2 Switch - 4 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-7

Season Average vs RH Starter 4.86

------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Old-Timey Member
Posted

This research is pretty basic. 

The starting lineup plays the majority of the game. The starting lineup provides the majority of the defense that contributes to wins and losses... the majority of the baserunning that contribute to wins and losses in addition to what they do at the plate that contributes to wins and losses.  

The starting lineup has the most opportunity to influence wins and losses. The starting lineup is largely determined by the throwing hand of the pitcher on the mound. In terms of Wins/Losses. As basic as it can get... is platooning helping in terms of wins and losses?

 

 

Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/27/2026 at 6:38 AM, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Opener and Bulk

April 26 - Jax/Shultens - 2 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 3 RH - 2 Switch - 4 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 7-7

Season Average vs RH Starter 4.86

------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 27 - Luis Castillo - 11 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 3 RH - 2 Switch - 4 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 8-7

Season Average Runs vs RH Starter 5.27

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Old-Timey Member
Posted
23 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 27 - Luis Castillo - 11 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 3 RH - 2 Switch - 4 LH

Record vs Right Handed Starter 8-7

Season Average Runs vs RH Starter 5.27

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 28 - Logan Gilbert - Loss - 1 Run Scored

Lineup Composition - 4 RH - 2 Switch - 3 LH

Season Average Runs vs RH Starter 5.00

-----------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Old-Timey Member
Posted
On 4/29/2026 at 6:01 AM, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 28 - Logan Gilbert - Loss - 1 Run Scored

Lineup Composition - 4 RH - 2 Switch - 3 LH

Season Average Runs vs RH Starter 5.00

-----------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 29 - George Kirby - Loss 3 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition  4 RH 2 Switch 3 LH

Season Average Runs Scored 4.88

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Posted
On 4/27/2026 at 6:50 AM, Riverbrian said:

This research is pretty basic. 

The starting lineup plays the majority of the game. The starting lineup provides the majority of the defense that contributes to wins and losses... the majority of the baserunning that contribute to wins and losses in addition to what they do at the plate that contributes to wins and losses.  

The starting lineup has the most opportunity to influence wins and losses. The starting lineup is largely determined by the throwing hand of the pitcher on the mound. In terms of Wins/Losses. As basic as it can get... is platooning helping in terms of wins and losses?

 

 

I feel like this is a trick question…

The runs per game is declining on both sides. So, no?

But also it’s a fundamental quality thing, not just a maximize strength minimize weakness. With a 13 position player roster, 9 starters, one back up catcher, leaves 3 reserves for 8 positions. You can’t platoon 7 guys

Old-Timey Member
Posted
32 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

I feel like this is a trick question…

The runs per game is declining on both sides. So, no?

But also it’s a fundamental quality thing, not just a maximize strength minimize weakness. With a 13 position player roster, 9 starters, one back up catcher, leaves 3 reserves for 8 positions. You can’t platoon 7 guys

You see it and you get it. It's a fundamental quality thing... that is my contention. The platoon gains are marginal on a game by game and even more marginal on an AB by AB basis. Statistical platoon gains only present themselves over a lengthy period of time. In the time it takes to produce noticeable platoon advantages is also time that could be used toward development that would eventually negate the need to platoon... or at least minimalize the amount of platooning. 

Strict platooning is just lazy managing. It ignores hot or cold or all matchup data. Wouldn't it stand to reason that if a player is seeing the ball well and on a bit of a hot streak. Wouldn't that display against both hands... Yet the platoon will just take the player out regardless of his timing at an optimum level. 

For example. We can look at Trevor Larnach's overall OPS of .603 against left handers in 2025 and give him the thumbs down.

However... Is best month in 2025 was August.

He produced an .846 OPS overall in August 2025.  

His OPS against left handed pitchers that month was: .858

It was .838 against right handers in August. 

Platoon splits are not linear they are influenced by hot and cold. 

What are we doing? 

Matt Wallner had a decent OPS .790 against lefties in 2025.

Right now he can't hit either hand. But. we can't find AB's for Martin who has been consistently getting on base at .500 CLIP and currently has a .840 OPS against Right handers.  

Ultimately I'd like this research to show that in regards to W's and L's. Platoon has very little influence on it. I suspect that staffing for platoon probably negates any potential gains and takes it into the negative.  

Maybe it will show me I'm wrong. Let's find out. 

 

 

Old-Timey Member
Posted
17 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 29 - George Kirby - Loss 3 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition  4 RH 2 Switch 3 LH

Season Average Runs Scored 4.88

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 30 - Kevin Gausman - Win - 7 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition - 5 RH - 2 Switch - 2 LH

Record vs RH Starter  9-9

Season Average Run Scored 5.00

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Old-Timey Member
Posted

Since the beginning of the season. The Twins have had a roster that consisted of 5 Right Handed Hitters, 5 Left Handed Hitters and 3 Switch Hitters. This has been consistent for all 32 games. The only roster adjustment was the right handed Kreidler called up when the right handed Royce Lewis went on the DL so the composition has been unchanged.  

Last night's game against Kevin Gausman and the Blue Jays was the first time that Shelton started all 5 right handed hitters on the roster against a right handed starter which is significant. 

In order to reach the magic number of all 5 playing in the same game against a right handed pitcher. Shelton must play Buxton, Lewis, Keaschall, Jeffers and Martin in the same game. That's all of them on the roster and they all started last night for the first time. 

Shelton has gone with 4 right handers 7 times. It kind of illustrates how Martin was/is considered to be the last right hander on the roster. Buxton, Keaschall and Lewis have been every day players since the onset of the season. Jeffers is the primary catcher so the potential for 4 is always there.  The key is adding Martin and it kind of illustrates how Martin has been considered the last of the right handers and how easily he slips into a dreaded short side platoon role. 

I repeat... over 18 games against a right handed starter... this is the first time that all 5 right handed hitters were in the lineup against a right handed starter.  

Now... before I applaud Derek Shelton for saying the hell with the platoon for a night and before I applaud him for starting Martin and resting Wallner. I should mention that Kevin Gausman... has reverse splits. Left handed hitters struggle more against him than right handed hitters do (Both Career, last season and this season).  

Despite these reverse splits from Gausman... I did notice that Brooks Lee who is a stronger hitter right handed did not bat Right handed against the right hander.

Of course that would introduce a new question. Is Brooks Lee stronger as a right handed hitter or is Brooks Lee stronger against left handed pitching? 

Go ahead and take a stab at that one.  

 

  

 

Posted
On 5/1/2026 at 6:30 AM, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

April 30 - Kevin Gausman - Win - 7 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition - 5 RH - 2 Switch - 2 LH

Record vs RH Starter  9-9

Season Average Run Scored 5.00

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters

Record vs LH Starters 5-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs LH Starter 4.57

Last Game Left Handed Starter

May 1 - Patrick Corbin - Loss - 3 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 3 Switch - 1 LH

Season Record vs Left Handed Starter 5-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Left Handed Starters 4.47

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs RH Starters

Record vs RH Starters 9-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starters 5.00

Posted
On 5/1/2026 at 7:09 AM, Riverbrian said:

Since the beginning of the season. The Twins have had a roster that consisted of 5 Right Handed Hitters, 5 Left Handed Hitters and 3 Switch Hitters. This has been consistent for all 32 games. The only roster adjustment was the right handed Kreidler called up when the right handed Royce Lewis went on the DL so the composition has been unchanged.  

Last night's game against Kevin Gausman and the Blue Jays was the first time that Shelton started all 5 right handed hitters on the roster against a right handed starter which is significant. 

In order to reach the magic number of all 5 playing in the same game against a right handed pitcher. Shelton must play Buxton, Lewis, Keaschall, Jeffers and Martin in the same game. That's all of them on the roster and they all started last night for the first time. 

Shelton has gone with 4 right handers 7 times. It kind of illustrates how Martin was/is considered to be the last right hander on the roster. Buxton, Keaschall and Lewis have been every day players since the onset of the season. Jeffers is the primary catcher so the potential for 4 is always there.  The key is adding Martin and it kind of illustrates how Martin has been considered the last of the right handers and how easily he slips into a dreaded short side platoon role. 

I repeat... over 18 games against a right handed starter... this is the first time that all 5 right handed hitters were in the lineup against a right handed starter.  

 

 

  

 

Taking this one step further... Shelton typical lineup composition vs RH Starters thus far is:

6 in the left handed batters box using a combination of lefties and switchers.

The game vs Gausman is the low with 4 and it has gotten as high as 8 vs Max Scherzer.

Against Left Handers... Shelton typical lineup composition is: 

8 in the right handed batters box using a combination of righties and switches. 

They have 3 games with 7 in the right handers box and 1 game with 6 vs Cole Ragans. They won that game BTW. They also won last nights game with only 4 hitters in the left handed box vs a right hander. 

Small Sample... lots of factors that influence games to consider... but what I'm tracking is Wins and Losses. The platoon advantage isn't providing a W advantage so far. 

 

Posted
6 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Left Handed Starter

May 1 - Patrick Corbin - Loss - 3 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 3 Switch - 1 LH

Season Average Runs Scored vs Left Handed Starters 4.47

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs RH Starters

Record vs RH Starters 9-9

Season Average Runs Scored vs RH Starters 5.00

Last Game Right Handed Starter

May 2 - Dylan Cease - Loss - 4 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 3 RH - 2 Switch - 4 LH

Season Record vs Right Handed Starters 9-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Right Handers 4.95

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters 

Season Record vs LH Starters 5-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Left Handed Starters 4.47

Posted
On 5/2/2026 at 9:00 PM, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

May 2 - Dylan Cease - Loss - 4 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 3 RH - 2 Switch - 4 LH

Season Record vs Right Handed Starters 9-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Right Handers 4.95

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters 

Season Record vs LH Starters 5-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Left Handed Starters 4.47

Last Game Right Handed Starter

May 3 - Trey Yesavage - Won - 4 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 4 RH - 3 Switch - 2 LH

Season Record vs Right Handed Starters 10-10

Season Average vs Right Handed Starters 4.90

----------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters 

Season Record vs LH Starters 5-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Left Handed Starters 4.47

Posted
On 5/3/2026 at 8:33 PM, Riverbrian said:

Last Game Right Handed Starter

May 3 - Trey Yesavage - Won - 4 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 4 RH - 3 Switch - 2 LH

Season Record vs Right Handed Starters 10-10

Season Average vs Right Handed Starters 4.90

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Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters 

Season Record vs LH Starters 5-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Left Handed Starters 4.47

Last Game Right Handed Starter

May 5 - Cade Cavalli - Won 11 Runs Scored

Lineup Composition 5 RH - 2 Switch - 2 LH

Season Record vs Right Handed Starters 11-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Right Handed Starters 5.19

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Season Accumulated Stats vs LH Starters 

Season Record vs LH Starters 5-10

Season Average Runs Scored vs Left Handed Starters 4.47

Note: This was the 2nd time that Shelton placed all 5 right handed hitters in the starting lineup with a right handed pitcher on the mound.  The other time was against Gausman. We scored 11 last night and 8 against Gausman.

Like Gausman... Cavilli has significant career reverse splits. 

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