The Minnesota Twins will trot out two-time All-Star pitcher José Berríos to start Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series against the Yankees in New York on Friday.
This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. The 25-year-old Berríos was by far Minnesota’s most-consistent starter during the regular season. He posted a 14-8 record with a 3.68 ERA and 1.22 WHIP while striking out 195 batters in 200.1 innings.
Berríos also won seven of his 11 decisions on the road, boasting a solid 3.84 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. He did not see action in a single game against New York during the regular season. That should work in his favor.
The other option to start this game was veteran Jake Odorizzi. However, the Twins decided to go with youthful upside over a veteran presence. Odorizzi is also dealing with a minor hamstring injury.
Berríos will do battle against Yankees lefty James Paxton, who was named a surprise starter for the series opener.