Here is a wrap up of the last week of news for the Minnesota Twins.
On Saturday, the Twins announced that Tommy Milone will be the fifth starting pitcher. The move means that Mike Pelfrey will begin the season in the bullpen. According to Rhett Bollinger of mlb.com, Pelfrey wants to be traded as opposed to pitching out of the bullpen. It seems like Pelfrey has a legitimate gripe as both pitchers threw approximately 14 innings this spring, with Pelfrey’s ERA being three points lower than Milone. According to Bollinger, Pelfrey asked the coaching staff if the competition was actually open, and they said yes.
Danny Santana was announced as the Twins opening day shortstop on Saturday. Santana beat out veteran Eduardo Escobar for the position. Santana is batting an impressive .341 batting average this spring, while Escobar hit a respectable .301 this spring.
Manager Paul Molitor also announced that Jordan Schafer and Shane Robinson will platoon to start the season in center field. In addition, Aaron Hicks was sent to minor league camp, leaving Robinson and Schafer as the only center fielders on the roster.
Also on Saturday, the Twins made a number of cuts, including optioning Minnesota native Mark Hamburger to the minor leagues. Hamburger was looking to start the season in the majors after playing last season with the independent St Paul Saints following drug issues.
There are only 8 days until the Twins open their season on April 6th at Detroit at noon. The home opener is one week later against Kansas City at 3:10.
Twins schedule for this week
Monday: @Boston 6:05
Tuesday: vs New York 12;05
Wednesday: vs Boston 12:05
Thursday: vs Boston 6:05
Friday: @Boston 6:05
Saturday: vs Boston 12:05
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