It will be up to first-time starter Logan Darnell to help the Twins break a two-game skid as the home stand winds down. Chris Sale opposes for the White Sox.
If you're coming to tonight's Twins game against the White Sox, you'll want to arrive early for the giveaway. Trevor Plouffe, who sat out last night's 9-5 loss, returns to his spot at third base--just in time to see several thousand likenesses of his face on sticks, which will be handed out to fans. Here's how today's lineup looks:
TWINS
1--Santana, CF
2--Dozier, 2B
3--Plouffe, 3B
4--Colabello, 1B
5--Willingham, LF
6--Arcia, RF
7--Suzuki, C
8--Nunez, DH
9--Escobar, SS
P--Logan Darnell (0-0, 0.00)
WHITE SOX
1--Eaton, CF
2--Ramirez, SS
3--Abreu, DH
4--Viciedo, RF
5--Konerko, 1B
6--Gillaspie, 3B
7--Flowers, C
8--De Aza, LF
9--Beckham, 2B
P--Chris Sale (9-1, 2.03)
Twins GM Terry Ryan said Friday how impressed he was by Darnell's debut with the Twins, a three-inning relief stint against Cleveland on May 6. He struck out one and threw 33 pitches. Darnell said his changeup is his go-to pitch, and he likes to use it early in the count to get hitters off-balance.
The laconic Tennessean certainly seemed relaxed Friday night as he discussed his first major-league start. "It's the same mind frame as last time: just try to get each guy out," he said. "I learned (against Cleveland) you have to get outs in the strike zone. You have to throw it over the plate at some point to get them out. They don't chase as much. It's still the same game you played growing up; you've still got to make pitches and get people out.
"I think it helps that I've gotten people out before up here, but I've still got to go out there and do what I've always done. I'm a fastball-changeup pitcher. I like to use my changeup a lot; if I can get ahead and use my change, it makes my curveball and slider a lot better. It's easier for me to get guys out quicker."
Darnell watched Friday's game from the clubhouse and noted that Chicago's hitters were aggressive early in the count, something he hopes to use to his advantage Saturday. "Getting ahead is key," he said. "I'm not going to shy away from throwing strikes."
Manager Ron Gardenhire is hoping Darnell can hang in for several innings, with his beat-up bullpen still short on long relievers who are ready to go. Ryan Pressly could be available for two or three innings, he said, and Anthony Swarzak could be good for one. Darnell has gone at least six innings in three of his past four starts, including a complete game victory on June 29 and an eight-inning loss on July 9. Each of his past nine starts has lasted at least five innings.
Enjoy the game!
RACHEL BLOUNT
A player-by-player breakdown of the players the Twins invited to their spring training camp.
