Minnesota Twins at Philadelphia Phillies 2/26/23

The Philadelphia Phillies host the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m. Sunday at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. Joe Ryan is scheduled to start for the Twins. Philadelphia had not named a starter Saturday evening.

The Phillies beat the Yankees, 7-4, on Saturday without many expected regulars in the lineup. Nine pitchers went an inning each for Philadelphia. Weston Wilson went 2-for-2 with four runs batted in, a homer and a double. Jake Cave was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

The Twins lost 10-5 to the Orioles on Saturday as many of Baltimore’s top hitters played in the game. Minnesota used seven pitchers in the game and did not use an of the players expected to be in the starting lineup on Opening Day. Mark Contreras and Kala’i Rosario each homered for the Twins.

Ryan had a fine season for the Twins in 2022, his second on the major league roster. He won 13 games and lost eight in 27 starts. Ryan pitched 147 innings, striking out 151 and walking 47.

Philadelphia made It to the World Series last season after finishing third in the National League East behind the Braves and Mets with a record of 87-75. The Phillies swept the Cardinals in the Wild Card round, then knocked off the Braves, 3-1, in the Divisional Series and the Padres, 4-1, in the Championship Series.

The Twins finished 78-84, eight games out of a playoff spot. They were 14 games out of first in the American League Central, finishing behind the Guardians and White Sox.

With Ryan on the mound, the Phillies could decide to use some starters at the beginning of this game. If they do, and the Twins stick with backups Philadelphia should get some runs early. Not necessarily off of Ryan, but they should hammer whoever comes in next. Final Score Prediction, Philadelphia Phillies win 7-4.