Byron Buxton back to leadoff spot for Twins' second game against Kansas City Royals

The Twins will also face near-impenetrable KC starter Danny Duffy with his 0.39 ERA.

May 1, 2021 at 4:22PM
Byron Buxton robbed Kansas City Andrew Benintendi of an extra base hit Friday night. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Twins are heading into the second game of a three-game series against Kansas City with some momentum.

A 9-1 victory Friday night in Ben Rortvedt's major league debut helped the Twins (9-15) gain a bit of ground on the Royals, who lead the American League Central Division at 15-9.

For Saturday's 1:10 p.m. (BSN) start on an 80-degree May Day, Twins' right-hander Matt Shoemaker (1-2, 5.49 ERA) will take on Royals lefty Danny Duffy (3-1, 0.39 ERA).

Duffy has had three scoreless outings in his four starts this season.

Entering his fifth start, Shoemaker has allowed seven earned runs in his past 8 23 innings.

ROYALS LINEUP

  • Whit Merrifield 2B
  • Carlos Santana 1B
  • Salvador Perez C
  • Jorge Soler RF
  • Ryan O'Hearn DH
  • Hunter Dozier 3B
  • Andrew Benintendi LF
  • Michael Taylor CF
  • Nicky Lopez SS

TWINS LINEUP

  • Byron Buxton CF
  • Josh Donaldson 3B
  • Nelson Cruz DH
  • Jorge Polanco 2B
  • Kyle Garlick RF
  • Mitch Garver C
  • Alex Kirilloff 1B
  • Andrelton Simmons SS
  • Luis Arraez LF
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