Lefthander Hector Santiago makes his Twins home debut tonight after taking the loss last Thursday in Cleveland. Santiago leads the AL with 59 walks, so fans should get used to him having company on the basepaths. His key is coming through with the big pitch when he needs it. Santiago did that a lot with the Angels. Now Twins fans get to watch Santiago get in and get out of jams.
Santiago appreciated making his debut on the road because it allowed him to meet his new teammates. Now at home, he's getting to know the clubhouse, front office and media relations staffs. Debuting at home meant more names to try to remember.
The most important person he's trying to get to know is catcher Kurt Suzuki. That, he said, might take a couple starts before the pair gets a feel for each other.
Jorge Polanco is back at short tonight after looking sharp there last night. Twins manager Paul Molitor cautioned that consistency is going to factor in any decision to move forward with him at short, so Polanco has to keep bringing it every night. One thing Polanco didn't have to do on Monday - a big thing - is go into the hole at short and show his arm strength. That's the part of his game that he needs to succeed in if he's going to stay at short.
Molitor did say that Polanco's arm is stronger than it was two years ago.
Polanco is an interesting case. There hasn't been a consensus within the organization as to what his best position is. I think most were resigned to him being a second baseman. But short is there for the taking.
Jose Altuve is back in the lineup for the Astros tonight after getting Monday off. He had played in 202 consecutive games before Monday, which was the longest streak in the majors. Mike Trout is now the new iron man of baseball, at 172 heading into tonight.
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