With three games left in the 2023 MLB season, the Minnesota Twins have solidified their position in the MLB postseason, and now they will look to break a decades-long streak and win a playoff game for the first time since 2004.
The Twins will have a number of decisions to make when the season wraps up and the postseason begins next week.
Along with the roster moves that manager Rocco Baldelli has to make is the decision of what pitcher he will have in the last spot of his three-man rotation.
Brian Murphy from Bring Me the News joined News Talk 830 WCCO’s Jordana Green and Adam Carter to discuss the decisions the Twins might make.
After a fantastic season, Pablo López and Sonny Gray have solidified themselves as the top arms of the team. While Kenta Maeda may have more experience, Murphy expects the young gun Joe Ryan to get the nod should a game three be necessary.
“A game three is an elimination game, so Joe Ryan seems to be the obvious choice right now. Let’s see where their bullpen is,” Murphy said.
If the Twins have to decide on who starts in game three, then Murphy says the team might just throw a parade no matter what, as it means the 18-playoff game losing streak is over.
When it comes to the Twins injured list, which has big names like Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa, Murphy says they could be back sooner rather than later, but fans shouldn’t hold their breath.
While he expects Correa to deal with his injury more easily, Murphy says the Twins could be more “cautious” with Lewis due to his injury being a hamstring issue.
“You may see him just DHing,” Murphy said. I don’t think you’re going to see him running the bases at full strength. Playing third base is maybe a little more problematic. You really want his bat in the lineup.”
When it comes to Twins star Byron Buxton, Murphy says he shouldn’t make the roster as of right now.
“I hate to see he’s been marginalized, but he’s kind of been marginalized,” Murphy said. “And how effective is he going to be? He barely could stay on the field with the saints for the last month or so, and there’s no time for experimentation. In a best of three, it’ll be over very quickly.”
While the Twins opponent and roster are not yet known, the team goes into their first playoff series since 2020 with a massive weight on their shoulders.