If the Twins truly are going to wheel and deal before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, then they might as well start with the bullpen. I say that because of the history-making Saturday the Tampa Bay Rays had after they became the first team in the live ball era (since 1920) to score five or more runs in the final three innings of a game, according to MLB.com.
The Rays poured it on late and won big, 19-6.
In fairness to the bullpen, starter Jose Berrios didn’t pitch that well either. He gave up six runs (all earned) in six innings of work. Then Zach Duke and Matt Belisle gave up eight runs, followed by poor Willians Astudillo, a utility player who was thrown to the wolves to pitch the final inning of the game. Astudillo gave up five runs, including a home run to Old Friend Carlos Gomez. But I’ve decided that Gomez is not an old friend after he homered off Astudillo and laughed as he rounded the bases. Be careful what you wish for, Carlos. I bet some chin music is coming your way on Sunday.
Fireballer Fernando Romero has been recalled from Triple-A Rochester to start Sunday’s game.
Extra innings…
-The Cleveland Indians lost to the New York Yankees on Saturday, so the Twins remain 7.5 games back in the AL Central.
-A series win Sunday would give the Twins a 9-2 record on this 11-game home stand before the all-star break. It would be great to go into the break with a win and momentum for the second half of the season. Immediately after the break the Twins hit the road for 10 games at Kansas City, Toronto and Boston. The Twins can’t miss a beat with the Royals because they just might with the Blue Jays and Red Sox.
-More bad news for Byron Buxton: He is back on the disabled list after he injured his left hand at Triple-A Rochester.