Minnesota looks for rookie Matt Garza to step in and pick up where fellow rookie Francisco Liriano left off before hitting the DL.
By: Marc Lawrence
The Minnesota Twins continue a 4-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays tonight, and all eyes will be on rookie hurler Matt Garza.
Highly touted Matt Garza, the Twins' 1st-round pick in 2005 out of Fresno State, will make his MLB debut against Toronto after a very successful run through thre minor league levels this season. Garza, 22, was a combined 14-4 with a 1.99 ERA before being called up to take the rotation slot opened up when rookie southpaw Francisco Liriano had to be placed on the DL with a strained elbow. Garza's most recent stop in the minors was at Triple-A Rochester where the right-hander went 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA in five starting assignments.
In addition to Blue Jays hitters not having a lot to go on with Garza, Minnesota also has a few other edges in this contest. The Twins are 13-5 in series openers at the Metrodome this season, and 15-3 in night games at home against right-handers.
The right-hander the Twins will face tonight is AJ Burnett, one of Toronto GM JP Ricciardi's prize offseason signings who spent most of the first three months of the season on the DL. Burnett will be making his 12th start of the year, and has just two wins to show for his last seven outings.
With Burnett in crummy current form, look for Garza to win in his debut here tonight.
PLAY: Minnesota
By: Marc Lawrence
The Minnesota Twins continue a 4-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays tonight, and all eyes will be on rookie hurler Matt Garza.
Highly touted Matt Garza, the Twins' 1st-round pick in 2005 out of Fresno State, will make his MLB debut against Toronto after a very successful run through thre minor league levels this season. Garza, 22, was a combined 14-4 with a 1.99 ERA before being called up to take the rotation slot opened up when rookie southpaw Francisco Liriano had to be placed on the DL with a strained elbow. Garza's most recent stop in the minors was at Triple-A Rochester where the right-hander went 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA in five starting assignments.
In addition to Blue Jays hitters not having a lot to go on with Garza, Minnesota also has a few other edges in this contest. The Twins are 13-5 in series openers at the Metrodome this season, and 15-3 in night games at home against right-handers.
The right-hander the Twins will face tonight is AJ Burnett, one of Toronto GM JP Ricciardi's prize offseason signings who spent most of the first three months of the season on the DL. Burnett will be making his 12th start of the year, and has just two wins to show for his last seven outings.
With Burnett in crummy current form, look for Garza to win in his debut here tonight.
PLAY: Minnesota
