MIN 8, KC 5: Rosario Drives in 4, Hildenberger Holds it Together

He also threw only eighteen pitches through two innings! I doubt they use him tomorrow but we should have him for Sunday

I'm hoping our boys are thinking more about catching the Yankees than holding off the rest of the pack.

It was a great run for this Royals team. Let's end it for them.

Not to be negative after a great win, but Duffy has been such a disappointment this year. I know his ER tonight came from Rodger's, but clean outings are few and far between for him. At this point is he even guaranteed a spot on the 2018 roster? I'm not sure.

Simple, take 6 of the next 8 for 80 wins, sweep the Yanks, 83 wins, and then go 5-5 for 88 wins.

Don't know about anyone else but I LOVE the fact that we are most likely to play the Yanks in the playoffs(if we make it) Get that monkey off my back and beat down to the tune of a big time blowout!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hildenberger is a freaking stud. He's the only guy in the bullpen who has consistently gotten outs this year. He's the only guy who jogs out if the pen that I trust isn't going implode and give away a game.

6 outs while facing 5 batters in a game that big is pretty impressive.

Rosario got off the schneid (if you can call it that when he has 10 HR and 28 RBI in his last 30 games). Some fans wanted him DFA'd the day before. He only went in to drive in 4 runs in what was possibly the biggest game of the year.

The cherry was picking up a game on NY and LA.

Can you imagine this lineup with a hot Sano batting 4? Hopefully we get him back next week.

How about Belisle? I never thought he'd work as a closer. But he came in for the third straight day, struck out two, and got a one-pitch pop-out. I think he's already earned his salary this year.

With all the arms in the pen, Duffey and Rogers need to sit a spell.  We'll need them in top form the last week.

Hildenberger has been great, but when I look at the usage I am concerned.  Don't burn him out.  Curtiss, Turley, Gee, Busenitz, and Tonkin  have to be considered for use soon, what is the use of such a big bullpen otherwise.  Duffey has now given up runs in five straight relief appearances.  http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/33668/tyler-duffey

Duffey could be suffering from some arm fatigue. Lately his stuff seems to be lacking movement, which is his forte. The curves aren't bending quite as sharply, the heater looks a little slower. His command isn't quite as sharp. Bad time for this to happen, but he might need a week off. Same with Rogers, actually. Molitor might need to use Tonkin in high-leverage situations. 

Hildenberger's saving grace is command. The arm action on his change is so good, hitters are waaaay ahead of it on a regular basis. Meanwhile, that curve has enough movement to make it very hard to square up. Add to that his modest low-side heater, which he keeps low in the zone, and his surprise 3/4 heater, which he can throw up to about 94. The combo of all that makes it very difficult for hitters to figure out what's coming next. I even saw him throw a change up from the 3/4 slot, which means you can't load up for the fastball when you see him go high. 

Clever approach to pitching, and it doesn't depend on raw velocity. Hildenberger could be a bullpen mainstay for a long time. 

Rogers, Duffey, Boshers, Perkins - not sure you can win a Wild Card spot with three guys like that waiting to give away the game night after night. High praise to the offense for once again busting it open late!

Glad the Twins keep finding ways to win! Would love to see J.O.Berrios go deep tonight, I predict 8 innings of 1-run ball. Hand it to Presley for the 9th, or give Perk a shot if we're up by 5 runs or more.

Where's Sano?

Rogers, Duffey, Boshers, Perkins - not sure you can win a Wild Card spot with three guys like that waiting to give away the game night after night. High praise to the offense for once again busting it open late!

 

Glad the Twins keep finding ways to win! Would love to see J.O.Berrios go deep tonight, I predict 8 innings of 1-run ball. Hand it to Presley for the 9th, or give Perk a shot if we're up by 5 runs or more.

Where's Sano?

Rogers had a rough night but he's been one of the best lefty relievers in MLB this year. He certainly does not deserve to be lumped in with the others you named.

Rogers had a rough night but he's been one of the best lefty relievers in MLB this year. He certainly does not deserve to be lumped in with the others you named.

I assume you mean against left-handed hitters? He's definitely not near the top among lefty relievers in general.