Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals, Game 5 Open Thread

The Royals look for the series sweep this afternoon against the Minnesota Twins who are already starting to show last year may have been a fluke with a winless start to this season. The value of defense was never more important last night as the Twins made flub after flub in the field, while the Royals had Salvador Perez nailing runners on the bases and Lorenzo Cain gliding to the ball in center field.

Ricky Nolasco makes the start for the Twins today after missing most of last season with an ankle injury. Nolasco has been a huge bust for the Twins since signing a four-year, $49 million deal before the 2014 season, posting a 5.64 ERA in 36 games with Minnesota. He is likely pitching to keep his spot in the rotation as many expected him to lose his spot to impressive rookie Tyler Duffey, who was instead sent to AAA.

"Steady Eddie" Volquez goes for the Royals for the first time since his six-inning shutout performance on Sunday Night Baseball against the Mets. Edinson Volquez has a 1.96 career ERA against Minnesota in 36 2/3 innings. Since the beginning of the 2014 season, Edinson Volquez has a 3.25 ERA, the 23rd best in all of baseball, better than Shelby Miller, James Shields, Chris Archer, and Danny Salazar.

The Twins called up top outfield prospect Max Kepler today to replace the injured Danny Santana, although Kepler is not in the starting lineup. Miguel Sano is back in the field and Joe Mauer gets a day off the field with the DH spot.

4/10 @Twins lineup at KC
Dozier 2B
Rosario LF
Mauer DH
Sano RF
Park 1B
Escobar SS
Nunez 3B
Murphy C
Buxton CF
Nolasco P

— MLB Lineups (@mlblineups) April 10, 2016

Christian Colon gets his first start of the season. Ned Yost just wants to get Omar Infante rest, according to Jeffrey Flanagan.

#Royals Game 5 pic.twitter.com/V4ud74n7yl

— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) April 10, 2016