Pitcher Lance Lynn, the Twins’ $12 million man, took the mound Tuesday and didn’t disappoint. Facing the Baltimore Orioles, Lynn struck out five in three innings, with no hits and one walk. The Twins led 5-4 through five innings before the bullpen gave up the lead and the team lost, 7-5.
“I walked a guy, but outside of that, everything went as smooth as it possibly could,” Lynn told MLB.com.
Yes, it’s spring training, but Lynn’s debut was encouraging for a career National League pitcher who will have to adjust to the power-hitting American League and its designated hitter rule. Another good sign: Lynn didn’t seem to miss a beat after a longer-than-expected offseason for many of the top free agents of 2018. Jake Arrieta finally found a home with the Philadelphia Phillies, while Alex Cobb remains unsigned with Opening Day just around the corner.
Lynn probably done for the day after 3 scoreless innings. Couldn't have looked better in #MNTwins spring debut. Pounded the strike zone with excellent velocity. Mixed in more offspeed than expected. Ended the day with his 5th K out of 10 batters.
— Twins Daily (@twinsdaily) March 13, 2018
The Twins scored five runs on nine hits. Joe Mauer had two of those nine hits, Miguel Sano doubled, while Logan Morrison and Jorge Polanco also chipped in with a hit apiece.
Extra innings…
-How about giving Ryan LaMarre a shot at making the team? LaMarre, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2010 and then spent the majority of the next eight seasons in the minor leagues, signed as a free agent with the Twins in November. This spring LaMarre has 12 hits, including two home runs, in 23 at bats. He’s scored eight runs, has 10 RBI and is hitting .522.
-Pitcher Fernando Romero, who generated some buzz for the Twins during spring training, won’t get a prolonged chance with the team just yet after he was sent down to the minors on Tuesday. Romero, who could be a future starter for the Twins, appeared in four games. He struck out eight in eight innings and allowed no hits, no runs and just one walk.