The Minnesota Twins have postponed their game
against the Chicago White Sox because of rain, with wintry weather
also threatening the rest of the series.
The team announced the decision this afternoon, four hours before
the scheduled first pitch. No makeup date was set. Forecasts called
for snow overnight, with potential for more than a foot of
accumulation throughout Saturday and Sunday.
One benefit of the bad weather this month for Minnesota has been
the shortening of its rotation, allowing right-hander Phil Hughes
to take his time in recovery from a strained left oblique muscle.
He was on track to pitch on Friday but the team will likely take
its time again.
Lance Lynn is scheduled to start Saturday, with Jake Odorizzi going
on Sunday. Twins manager Paul Molitor had lined up Kyle Gibson to
start the first game in Puerto Rico on Tuesday, with Puerto Rican
native Jose Berrios set to start the second game.
Minnesota likely wouldn't need a fifth starter now until April 24
at the New York Yankees. Molitor said Thursday that weather could
force the team to schedule indoor workouts this weekend, as well
use the time in Puerto Rico for a workout with scheduled off days
on both ends of the two games with Cleveland.
Chicago could turn to today's scheduled starter, Reynaldo Lopez,
on Saturday, pending another postponement. Miguel Gonzalez and
Carson Fulmer were also scheduled to pitch in the series.
The Twins already had one game postponed this homestand against the
Seattle Mariners, moving it to May 14. Minnesota has been forced to
postpone 20 games in the nine-year history of Target Field.
It's the latest blow to Major League Baseball's early-season
schedule. Friday's postponement is the 12th of the season in the
majors. Detroit has had three games postponed.
Saturday's game can be heard on Good Time Oldies 1060 with the Pre-Game Show at 12:35.
