Twins vs. Marlins (4/3-4/5): Series Preview

2019 was the last time the Twins visited Miami. They went 2-1 against a young Marlins squad. This trip obviously will carry not only new Marlin-esque ballcaps, but remarkably flipped rosters. Of course, the focus for Twins fans will be on Luis Arraez and his hot start (1.282 OPS) in the new surroundings. Pablo Lopez takes the hill Wednesday, with all eyes on his return as well.

This series marks the first of the National League regular schedule, which still takes some getting used to. With the roof potentially open for some outdoor baseball by the sea, the Twins have a chance to launch a few more bombas before they head home to the frozen tundra for Thursday’s (?) home opener.

Fun Fact: This is the first time the Twins have started 3-0 since 2017. The last time the Twins went 4-0? Also 2017. 5-0…6-0? For that we have to go all the way back to 1968!

Weather Factor: Temperatures in Miami ranging from 75-85 degrees every day. However, weather shouldn’t play too much of a factor because the Marlins only have been opening the roof if its over 80 degrees at game time. Wednesday’s day game will be the biggest chance for outdoor baseball.

So let's take a look at the Pitching Probables for the Twins' second series of the season.

Game 1 – Monday, April 3, 2023 – 5:40pm CDT – Right-handers Tyler Mahle (Twins) and Johnny  Cueto (Marlins) will make their first starts of the season. Mahle looks to prove that he’s healthy while Cueto looks to continue baffling Twins batters.

Of the Marlins' potential lineup, only catcher Jacob Stallings has 10 plate appearances against Mahle. Cueto had four starts against the Twins last year as a member of the White Sox, winning only once, with two losses and a no-decision.

Game 2 – Tuesday, April 4, 2023 – 5:40pm CDT – Right-handers Kenta Maeda (Twins) and Sandy Alcantara (Marlins) take the mound in Maeda’s post-Tommy John debut. Alcantara, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, brings a 4.76 ERA and a no-decision from his Opening Day start. Of course, that means little to nothing. 

Third baseman Jean Segura has a .300 average across 21 career plate appearances versus Maeda, but that is about it for prior exposure to the Twins hurler. Alcantara faced the Twins back in 2019, with only Max Kepler taking him deep in his lone plate appearance.

Game 3 - Wednesday, April 5, 2023 – 12:10pm CDT - Right-hander Pablo Lopez (Twins) faces off against Jesus Luzardo (Marlins), the first left-handed starter the Twins will face this season. Both pitchers have started the 2023 at 1-0, with neither pitcher giving up an earned run in their first start.

Marlins shortstop Joey Wendle has a 1.200 OPS against Lopez in 10 plate appearances. Donovan Solano has the most track record against Luzardo, with a 1.196 OPS in only eight at-bats.

Another sweep, and some Twins history could be made this week. What's your prediction for this series? Get out the brooms, or something in between? Who do you think will be on fire for the Twins' bats? How will Mahle and Maeda start their seasons? What’s your prediction for Lopez vs. Arraez on Wednesday?

Steve Trefz - On a mission to go to a Twins series in every stadium over 2023-24. The journey continues in Miami!
Follow me on Twitter: @TwinsTrefz
Statistical help from StatHead.com