The Twins got spanked by the Rangers Monday night 20-6, but the good news is their embarrassing defeat allowed us the opportunity to see Michael Cuddyer pitch. Cuddyer, who has played first, second, and right field for the Twins this year, made his first career appearance as a pitcher and he did pretty well.
Throwing a pretty flat fastball in the upper-80s, Cuddyer gave up two hits and a walk but he escaped a bases loaded jam by getting Elvis Andrus and David Murphy to pop out. Unlike Mike Napoli who hit a double in the gap to leadoff the inning, Andrus and Murphy seemed over-anxious and were out in front of the ball. Give Cuddyer some credit — he had a nice, smooth motion, easy delivery, and he threw hard. Jamie Moyer wishes he had Cuddyer’s fastball that ranged from 86-89. If Joe Nathan struggles again, Ron Gardenhire will have another option to finish games.
