Baseball will be played today. For the first time in 2026, the Minnesota Twins will take the field to play another team, starting off with a seven-inning exhibition game against the University of Minnesota's baseball team.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 CST. This is the first time that the Twins' new manager Derek Shelton has written out a lineup card, and it's clear that he is immediately giving opportunities to guys who need it.
Kody Clemens and Gio Urshela , in particular, will start at second and third base, respectively in the Twins' first spring game. Clemens will hit third and Urshela is slated as the four-hitter.
Zebby Matthews , who is looking to crack the starting rotation , will be handed the ball in Game 1. The full lineup is below.
Ushela was signed to a deal recently in a reunion with the Twins. After putting together a strong season with Minnesota in 2022, Urshela has bounced from the Angels to the Tigers to the Athletics since. He has struggled to find a home as he enters his mid-30s, but perhaps a second stint with the Twins will do the trick. He has an immediate chance to wow the fans and coaches in the first game of the spring.
Clemens, who was with Minnesota last year, mashed 19 home runs in 112 games, producing a .725 OPS. Those aren't bad numbers, but the Twins' infield depth chart is getting crowded. His defensive versatility will give him a longer leash on the MLB roster, but if he can provide a strong spring, it will be difficult for the coaches to keep him on the bench.
Other players to watch out for on Friday will be Josh Bell , making his debut with the Twins. He will bat second and play first base after hitting 22 home runs in 2025 with the Nationals. Bell was the team's biggest addition this winter, so all eyes will be on him early in spring.
Matthews pitching in the first spring game is important for him. On the same day that Pablo Lopez was reported to go undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery , Matthews' chance to crack the starting rotation has gone up. If he pitches well in spring, that spot could be his to take.
This article was originally published on www.puckettspond.com as Derek Shelton's first Twins' spring lineup card offers opportunity for players who need it .
