Ober was better than Duran, too. I think people continue to underestimate how much more difficult it is to be a starting pitcher and get outs for 5-6 innings than it is to be a reliever and get outs for 1 inning.
The Twins were clearly more prepared for this series than the Blue Jays. Great job by the guys behind the scenes figuring out how Gausman was tipping the splitter and also the Jays hitters' vulnerability to curveballs. The Jays were outmanaged in several ways.
Expanding the zone with 3 balls in the count is a terrible idea. That pitch gives him a walk at least 75% of the time. Swinging at a pitch at the edge of the zone is not going to have a 750 OBP, especially for Julien who has a hard time hitting pitches in that part of the zone.
Somewhat notable for who ISN'T on the roster: Gallo, Keuchel, Buxton, Larnach, Luplow and the relievers who pitched most of the bullpen innings during the season.
Of the infielders Kirilloff can play outfield and of the outfielders Castro can play infield so there is good positional flexibility. Stevenson makes the roster instead of Buxton.
That's exactly what they're doing in the next round - starting on Friday. The Wild-Card round is the play-in round for the real playoffs.
ESPN doesn't have football to show Tuesday-Thursday and they want some programming. Hence, wild card baseball.
I believe option 2 is the plan for round 1. Lewis had the highest OPS+ of any Twins hitter. They want his bat in the lineup.
Willi Castro can handle 3B as well as Royce can defensively. Buxton, if he's on the roster, will take Luplow's RH bench bat role.