AL Wild Card open thread: Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees

The 2017 MLB Playoffs start tonight with the American League Wild Card game, as the Minnesota Twins head to New York to face off against the Yankees. The Twins are somewhat of a feel-good story of the playoffs, as they bounced back from a 59-103 record in 2016 to make the post-season. Not only that, but they entered August with a record below .500, only to go 35-24 down the stretch to claim the second wild card spot.

The Yankees, led by a young core of power hitters and a stacked bullpen, have been in a fight with the Red Sox for first in the AL East for much of the season, only to fall short down the stretch. The Twins will send to the mound Ervin Santana who, despite a solid 3.28 over 33 starts this season, tends to pitch terribly in Yankees Stadium, sporting a 6.43 career ERA over 6 starts. The Yankees will counter with Luis Severino, who is enjoying his best season if his young career as a full-time starter. Severino has put up a solid 2.98 ERA with a 10.7 K/9 and a 4.51 K/BB ratio. If he falters, the Yankees will be able to turn to their loaded bullpen, led by Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman.

Former Reds in this game: Matt Belisle, Todd Frazier, Aroldis Chapman, and Didi Gregorius. Let’s go playoffs! You’re our favorite baseball!