Notebook: Kenta Continues Dominating Spring

Final: Braves 4, Twins 2

Box Score | Savant

Twins Takeaways

Standout Pitcher: Kenta Maeda (5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K)

Standout Hitter: Nelson Cruz (1-3, RBI)

Maeda Misses Bats

https://twitter.com/TFTwins/status/1373406467336892417

If there’s been a noteworthy arm this spring it’s been Kenta Maeda for the Twins. Their Opening Day arm, and Cy Young runner up in 2020, has looked nothing short of untouchable. He did finally cede a run tonight, a homer to Postseason hero Mike Brosseau, but he racked up six strikeouts in just 5 1/3 innings. Maeda was lifted after reaching the 75-pitch mark, having to work a bit extra as Rays hitters forced deeper counts. He’ll have one more tune-up prior to things counting against the Brewers in Milwaukee.

Waddell Waiting in Relief

https://twitter.com/dohyoungpark/status/1373427326902472708

The Twins spent a good deal of roster space this offseason targeting different relief arms. Some of them were waiver claims while some were acquired through trade. Brandon Waddell is among those, and Wes Johnson noted that Minnesota has some future plans for him. Sliders have been something that this organization has branded itself on in recent seasons, and it’s a pitch Waddell is clearly looking to utilize. Tonight, he worked two innings of relief allowing no hits and fanning five. On the 13 sliders that were swung at by Rays hitters, nine of them were whiffed on.

Saints Show Off the Goods

https://twitter.com/StPaulSaints/status/1373324521290235907

Many Minnesota Twins fans have expressed excitement over the new affiliation with the crosstown Saint Paul Saints. Among the ways to show that excitement is by donning a fresh new cap. Zephyr was the previous apparel provider when the Saints were a part of Independent Baseball. Now as a Minor League entity, Saint Paul has rebranded with New Era, the official cap of Major and Minor League Baseball. Fans have been clamoring for the new caps since the partnership was announced. Today we got a first look at the navy colorway. Not yet on sale but expect that to change soon.

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