Why Series Opener Vs. Twins Is Unique Opportunity For Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. Richard Fitts is slated to start the game against Simeon Woods-Richardson. While Monday’s game counts the same as any other, it represents a unique opportunity for Boston.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Detroit Tigers are acquiring starting pitcher Chris Paddack from the Twins. Paddack was scheduled to start on Tuesday for Minnesota, while the Twins’ Wednesday starter is still to be determined.

The Twins don’t have many options to fill Paddack’s spot. Bailey Ober is on a rehab assignment and slated to return soon, but he pitched on Friday, so he likely can’t go again until after the series concludes.

Woods-Richardson has completed six innings just once in 15 starts this season. The Twins also used five relievers on Sunday. If the Red Sox can get to the starter early and force him out of the game, the Twins will be behind the eight ball for the rest of the series.

The Twins’ bullpen is strong. They lead the league in bullpen fWAR. Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax and Louis Varland are all excellent. Brock Stewart, Cole Sands and Danny Coulombe have great stuff as well.

Of the pitchers listed above, only Varland and Sands have routinely worked multiple innings.

Marco Raya could be called upon to make his major league debut. Travis Adams was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul after Sunday’s game, so he can’t return for 15 days unless someone is placed on the injured list. Jose Urena has pitched in the majors before, but threw four innings on Saturday, which puts him off turn as well. Minnesota might be forced to look outside the organization for a bulk pitcher, who likely won’t be a high-quality arm.

If Boston remains patient at the plate to work counts and get to the Minnesota bullpen, they could see an offensive explosion later in the series.