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Twins V. Royals: Game LXXVI Thread

On the shoulders of giants.

By J.K. Ward
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The cornucopia will be rife with the stapled victuals of Twinning and Royaling this weekend as Minnesota and Kansas City face off for a four-game set.

We also get our first glimpse at Miguel Sano. The rumors over in Twinkie Town are that he is being called "The Latin Trevor Plouffe, but better." Minnesotans are not known for their nicknames.

There's eleven games left until the All-Star Break, and I am getting the sense that the Royals would really like it to get here as soon as possible. Aside from the sweep at Houston, Kansas City is dealing with some nagging things that could really use a week off. Alex Rios still doesn't look particularly good swinging a bat. Eric Hosmer is starting tonight, but I'd rather he didn't. Lorenzo Cain is nursing a hamstring injury. Jason Vargas threw 40 pitches in a simulated game, but could probably do with the extra time off. Yordano Ventura is still experiencing "slight numbness" when he pitches, so he's going to make at least one more rehab start (but they really should probably just hold off on him until after the All-Star Game). Omar Infante is bad at baseball, so not seeing him for a few days would be a collective ease on the eyes.

Where it once felt like the Royals were swimming, it now feels as if something has brushed past their leg, and they are skimming and thrashing trying to figure out if it is a kraken or a piece of kelp.

Tonight, the Twins will send Kyle "Cy Gibson" Gibson to the mound. He owns a 2.68 ERA against the Royals in six career starts. Overall though, he's pitched very well for Minnesota and is one of the reasons why the Twins find themselves just 4.5 games back in the AL Central.

The Royals will counter with a literal giant of a person in Chris Young. He gave up 14 earned runs in June. He gave up seven earned runs in April and May combined.

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