Kyle Gibson has been the Twins most reliable starter over the last few weeks, and they will need the sinkerballer to continue that trend today if they are going to salvage a split of this four-game series against Toronto.
Over is last five outings, Gibson is 4-0 with a 1.38 ERA. That's allowed him to lower his over ERA to a season-low 4.97. The offense has been generous, scoring 7.3 runs a game on the days he pitches.
Twins manager Paul Molitor said he will check with his relievers after they warm up to see who is available today. But Trevor Hildenberger has pitched on three of the last four days, throwing 46 pitches. Alan Busenitz is in the middle of a dominant run, posting a 0.56 ERA over his last 15 outings. But he also has pitched in three of the last four games, throwing a total of 59 pitches.
So the Twins could use seven strong innings from Gibson today for a number of reasons.
They will face righthander Joe Biagini, whom they pummeled at Rogers Centre on Aug. 27. Biagini gave up the first of Byron Buxton's three home runs that day. He has been better since then. He beat Baltimore twice in 11 days, holding the Orioles to two earned runs over 15 innings.
Jason Castro is sore after taking foul balls off the shoulder and collarbone yesterday, but is back in there today.
Not too much going on in the clubhouse today before the game. No early work, so some players were arriving to the park a little later than usual. Their equipment bags are out on the floor in front of their stalls, as they pack for the final road trip of the season
Blue Jays
Ezequiel Carrera, RF
Josh Donaldson, 3B
Justin Smoak, 1B
Jose Bautista, DH
Michael Saunders, LF
Kevin Pillar, CF
Ryan Goins, 2B
Raffy Lopez, C
Richard Urena, SS
Joe Biagini, RHP
Twins
Brian Dozier, 2B
Joe Mauer, 1B
Jorge Polanco, SS
Eddie Rosario, LF
Byron Buxton, CF
Max Kepler, RF
Eduardo Escobar, 3B
Jason Castro, C
Robbie Grossman, DH
Kyle Gibson, RHP