DETROIT — The Twins open a three-game series in Detroit today, with righthander Matt Shoemaker making his Twins debut against Tigers righty Jose Urena.
Byron Buxton out of starting lineup as Twins face Tigers in Detroit
The center fielder, who homered in the first two games, left Sunday's game in Milwaukee because of illness.
April 5, 2021 at 3:20PM
The game was delayed by rain, but started at 1 p.m. (ESPN, BSN).
Byron Buxton, who left Sunday's victory in Milwaukee because of illness, was not in the Twins starting lineup today. Jake Cave will play center with Brent Rooker in left.
Manager Rocco Baldelli said Buxton will be monitored and could be available off the bench. His illness is not COVID-19 related, and appears to be a stomach bug.
Nelson Cruz will make his first start of the season after pinch hitting all three games in Milwaukee in a series played without designated hitters.
The Tigers won two of three at home to open against Cleveland, while the Twins took two of three against the Brewers.
Former Twins Robbie Grossman, Jonathan Schoop, Wilson Ramos and Niko Goodrum are in the Detroit lineup today, as is Rule 5 pick Akil Baddoo. Baddoo was plucked from the Twins roster after last season and homered Sunday on the first major league pitch he saw. Baddoo had five homers in exhibition games.
TWINS LINEUP
Miguel Sano, 1B
Ryan Jeffers, C
Andrelton Simmons, SS
TIGERS LINEUP
Robbie Grossman, LF
Jeimer Candelario, 3B
Willi Castro, SS
Miguel Cabrera, DH
Nomar Mazara, RF
Jonathan Schoop, 1B
Wilson Ramos, C
Niko Goodrum, 2B
Akil Baddoo, CF
The speculation surrounding shortstop Carlos Correa’s availability in a trade was overblown this week, Twins officials indicated at the winter meetings in Dallas.
