Two-game series at PNC Park
Monday, noon • FSN, 830-AM
Twins RHP Lance Lynn (11-8, 3.43 in 2017) vs. RHP Jameson Taillon (8-7, 4.44 in 2017)
Wednesday, 5 p.m. • FSN, 830-AM
Twins RHP Jake Odorizzi (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Ivan Nova (0-0, 3.60)
Twins update
They are 16-12 all-time against the Pirates, 8-6 in Pittsburgh. … Twins LHP Zach Duke spent the first six years of his MLB career with the Pirates, going 45-70 with a 4.54 ERA as a starter and getting chosen for the All-Star Game in 2009. OF Robbie Grossman was drafted by the Pirates in 2008 but was traded to the Astros in 2012 before making it to the majors. … The Twins have already hit seven home runs this season, with Miguel Sano and Brian Dozier hitting two apiece. … Byron Buxton has two stolen bases, giving him a streak of 26 in a row without being caught. … Lynn will make his Twins debut on Monday. The former St. Louis righthander is 7-7 with a 5.10 ERA in 21 career starts against the Pirates. Wednesday's starter, Odorizzi, has never faced Pittsburgh.
Pirates update
Thanks to a controversial replay reversal, Pittsburgh opened the season with a 13-10, 13-inning victory at Detroit on Friday, then swept a doubleheader with the Tigers on Sunday following a rainout Saturday. … Monday is Opening Day in Pittsburgh, where the Pirates have won four straight openers. … Nova is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA vs. the Twins, both wins coming while with the Yankees. … The Pirates traded former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to the Giants and their top pitcher, Gerrit Cole, to the Astros over the winter. … Former Twins LHP Nik Turley is in the Pirates organization but is serving an 80-game suspension for failing a PED test. … 1B Josh Bell hit 26 home runs in 2017 and led Pittsburgh with 90 RBI.
