Minnesota Twins Projected Starting Rotation for MLB Playoffs

The Minnesota Twins don't have a lot of starting pitching depth to begin, and they're certainly limping into October from that standpoint. You can bet manager Rocco Baldelli will have a short leash for nearly all of his starters, but here is Minnesota's projected starting rotation for the playoffs.

4. Game 4: LHP Martin Perez

This is not ideal and someone you probably wouldn't want to start in a postseason game, but with Michael Pineda getting suspended the Twins don't have many options. Since the All-Star break, Perez owns a 6.27 ERA over 14 starts, and to make matters worse, right-handed hitters crush him. Baldelli will probably do all he can to avoid having Perez start against the Yankees.

3. Game 3: RHP Jake Odorizzi

You could make the argument that Jake Odorizzi is Minnesota's best starter, but since he left the game early in his final start of the regular season, giving him the Game 3 start allows him to have more time to heal. Odorizzi has been nails for the Twins, winning 15 games and posting a 3.51 ERA. Oh, and in the case of the ALDS, Odorizzi gets to make his first start at home.

2. Game 2: RHP Kyle Gibson

On the surface, this is a head-scratcher considering Kyle Gibson's season, especially more recently (8.04 ERA over last seven appearances). However, the Twins don't have many options, and Gibson is at least a veteran. Maybe they use him as an opener, but Gibson will get a postseason start, even against a team he doesn't do well against in the Yankees (6.75 ERA in 10 career starts).

1. Game 1: RHP Jose Berrios

You hate to put all this pressure on him, but Jose Berrios has to carry this staff if the Twins want to make a run. Unfortunately, the All-Star right-hander hasn't done well against the Yankees, especially at Yankee Stadium (0-2 with a 9.82 ERA). Game 1 appears to be a tough start for Berrios in the Bronx, but he does have the stuff to shut any team down, which the Twins have to be hoping for.