By introducing a sweeper and unlocking more fastball velocity, Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez took a step forward in 2023 after coming over from the Miami Marlins.
His 3.66 ERA was similar to the one he had last season (3.75), but the difference in strikeouts (234 to 174) was incredible.
Lopez was so good in 2023 that he has been tasked with a grand responsibility: starting Game 1 of the AL Wild Card series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
He will play at home and will go up against the talented Kevin Gausman in a battle of strikeout artists.
Lopez sent a message to Twins fans, especially ones who have been watching their team struggle in the playoffs since the turn of the millennium.
“Twins pitcher Pablo López wearing a throwback Johan Santana jersey before the their first #Postseason game today,” MLB Life tweeted.
Of course, we have the picture for you.
Twins pitcher Pablo López wearing a throwback Johan Santana jersey before the their first #Postseason game today pic.twitter.com/MxmJcAwYrs
— MLB Life (@MLBLife) October 3, 2023
If you close your eyes, you can easily associate that jersey with the talented Twins legend.
Lopez, like many Venezuelans in the 2000s, grew up watching Santana pitch for the Twins.
Santana was a monster in the period ranging from 2002 to 2010.
He pitched with the Twins until 2007, winning two Cy Young awards in 2004 and 2006.
He won 93 games and posted a 3.22 ERA with 1,381 strikeouts as a member of the Twins.
Fans still have fond memories of the crafty southpaw missing bats with his phenomenal circle change.
Shoulder injuries derailed his career once he signed with the New York Mets, robbing him a chance of putting together a stronger Hall of Fame bid.
However, his prime was unbelievable.
Lopez certainly had him in mind on Tuesday as the playoffs are set to begin.
The post Twins Ace Channels Team Legend Ahead Of Playoff Opener appeared first on The Cold Wire.