Dodgers-Twins Preview: Red Patterson’s MLB Debut In Finale Of Doubleheader
While the Dodgers sent a 12-year veteran to the mound in the early game, right-hander Red Patterson, 26, makes his MLB debut in the second game of the twin bill. Patterson is in his second season with the Dodgers Triple-A affiliate after having spent 2011 and ’12 working his way up the Minor League ranks. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four starts with the Albuquerque Isotopes this season.
Patterson appeared in five Spring Training games with the Dodgers this year, allowing just one run on six hits in 11.2 innings of work. Once word began to spread the Dodgers intended on looking to the farm system for a starter, Patterson’s name rose to the forefront of the discussion. However, the likelihood of Patterson receiving the call up somewhat appeared to be in jeopardy as reports surfaced he was battling the flu. Nonetheless, the Dodges confirmed the move Thursday morning.
West Covina, Calif., native Kris Johnson takes the mound for the Twins, who have now lost two straight after having consecutive games postponed. The Twins also opted to exercise the provision that permits teams to add a 26th player to the roster for a day-night doubleheader. As a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013, Johnson appeared in four games and started one and finished with an 0-2 record. The left-hander was traded to the Twins in November and has been with their Triple-A team.
Johnson has started four games this season with the Rochester Red Wings and is 2-2 with a 2.86 ERA. Not only is this Johnson’s first start for the Twins, it’s his first appearance for them in a regular season game. The similarities between Johnson and Patterson can also be seen in their respective Spring Training statistics, as Johnson also appeared in five games. The lefty recorded five strikeouts and didn’t allow any runs in 7.0 innings pitched.
As has been the case with a left-handed starter on the mound, Don Mattingly’s lineup is heavy on right-handed hitters. Neither Carl Crawford or Andre Ethier are in the game after both were in the lineup for the first game. Hanley Ramirez will give way to Justin Turner at shortstop, but starts as the designated hitter. Miguel Olivo is replaced behind the plate by Drew Butera.
Dodgers Lineup:
2B: Gordon
RF: Puig
DH: Ramirez
1B: Gonzalez
CF: Kemp
LF: Van Slyke
3B: Uribe
SS: Turner
C: Butera
P: Patterson
Twins Lineup:
2B: Dozier
DH: Mauer
3B: Plouffe
1B: Colabello
C: Pinto
LF: Hermann
RF: Fuld
CF: Hicks
SS: Florimon
P: Johnson
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