No, the Twins weren't going to play an 11th inning. Jake Reed and Alex Wimmers were getting some side work in. A lot of us were wondering what the heck was going on in the bullpen when those two got up and starting throwing.
Reed and Wimmers are scheduled to pitch on Wednesday night against Team USA.
Chris Gimenez was by far the most experienced player on the field Monday when he lined a single to center in the 10th for the walk-off winner. Gimenez didn't try to do too much with the pitch and calmly slapped it back up the middle. "He's grinding," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "Trying to make an impression."
Byron Buxton looks like he's got a little pop, but there's no reason for him to give up bunting. Bunted for a hit in the third inning. He was bunting for a hit all the way, and it helped set up a potential big inning. Joe Mauer followed with a walk to load the bases, but Miguel Sano popped out and Max Kepler flied out to end the inning.
"Just showing awareness," Molitor said of Buxton. "I don't know how much bunting will be part of his game. I think it still will be. It should be. As his offensive prowess grows, there might be times where you might rather see him drive in that run and create a first and third."
Tomorrow is a scheduled off day, but Phil Hughes is going to pitch four innings on the minor league side so he can stay on schedule. Minor leaguers report on Tuesday, but several dozen have been working out on the back fields, so the Twins figured they can give them something else to do. Hughes will pitch at 10 a.m. eastern.
