Milwaukee Brewers’ Series Preview: Minnesota Twins

When the Milwaukee Brewers have played the Minnesota Twins in recent seasons, they have often been battling a last place team, but that is no longer the case. The Twins have stormed out of the gate behind the new manager, Paul Molitor and are currently in first place in the very difficult American League Central.

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Though they do not have a whole lot of big names in their lineup or rotation they have been among league leaders in both runs scored and ERA this season. Currently, the Twins are fifth in runs in the American League and also fifth in stater ERA.

At the plate, Torii Hunter has proved to be ageless as he nears 40, by batting .282 with eight home runs and a .794 OPS through the first two months. Brian Dozier leads the team in home runs with 10 as he remains one of the best offensive second basemen in the AL. 23-year-old rookie, Eddie Rosario homered in his first at-bat and is off to a strong season as well (.279/.296/.678). The most disappointing player in the lineup has again been Joe Mauer. Once an MVP caliber player, Mauer has just one home run while batting .263 so far this season.

On the mound, Mike Pelfrey is back and he has returned to his 2010 form with a 2.57 ERA through his first 10 starts. In his second full-season in the MLB, Kyle Gibson has become one of the best pitchers in the AL, and pitching up to his potential that made him a top prospect early on. While Trevor May has struggled at times, he has also shown flashes of greatness at times in the rotation.

Pitching Match-Ups

Friday: Kyle Lohse vs. Kyle Gibson

Lohse has struggled mighitly all season, while Gibson has been one of the Twins best. With July approaching, they need Lohse to turn things around quickly if they are going to get any trade value in dealing him.

Saturday: Matt Garza vs. Unannounced

Like Lohse, Garza has had a rough 2015. His most recent outing out of the bullpen was one of his best of the year as he allowed zero runs in five innings of relief in a Brewers’ marathon win.

Sunday: Mike Fiers vs. Mike Pelfrey

While Pelfrey has been the Twins best, Fiers is starting to get back to his 2015 form. Though is record isn’t where he would like it to be, Fiers’ ERA is getting much closer to respectability.

Next: Brewers Draft Targets: Kyle Funkhouser