New York Yankees: History Isn’t on Twins Wild Card Starter’s Side
By Alex Mazer
Taking the hill against the New York Yankees in Tuesday night’s one-game Wild Card playoff will be Minnesota Twins ace, Ervin Santana. A dominant pitcher otherwise, he has always seemed to struggle against the Yankees.
Tuesday night, New York Yankees stud All-Star Luis Severino will take on veteran pitcher Ervin Santana and, if history can tell us anything, it is that Santana is in deep trouble.
In Santana’s 20 career starts against the Yankees, dating back to 2005, he has struggled, posting an ERA of 5.66 and a losing record of 6-10.
This game is against the Yankees.
Santana has made six starts at the new Yankee Stadium over his 12-year career. He has recorded zero wins in those contests, boasting a 0-5 record with a 6.43 ERA and a 1.714 WHIP.
This game is at the new Yankee Stadium.
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Brett Gardner will likely be leading off for the Yankees in this one. Gardner owns Santana over his career, batting 11-31 (.355) with three doubles. Meanwhile, DH Matt Holliday carries a .417 BA against the Twins ace, with two home runs, two doubles, and three RBI.
A storyline being pushed by critics is Luis Severino’s lack of playoff experience at any level of play. However, I’d prefer a blank resume over a bad one any day.
Santana has made eight playoff appearances in his career, starting in two of them. Over 22.2 IP, he owns a porous 5.56 ERA.
Next: AL Wild card preview and prediction
Severino owns a 2.86 ERA when caught by Gary Sanchez, the man expected to be behind the plate for this one. In his career, Sevy has made only one start against the Twins, which ended early after giving up three earned runs in three innings of work. However, his total body of work over this season should answer any outstanding questions.
Sportsbook Review has the New York Yankees favored in this one (-213), and the pitching match-up only reaffirms that.