Rangers v Twins blowout interesting

The starting line-up already had Davis in at 3rd, Young at 2nd, and Kinsler at DH.

How much weirder did you want it to get ?

Last thing you want to do with a 20-2 lead and the playoff race still in full swing, is empty the bench and leave the roster short of players in case something happens. While it's wise to get bench players reps because you'll need them down the road and there are times when some of the regulars could get a little extra time off or there's a window of opportunity to get some young player's feet wet, I don't buy into the notion that with a blowout game, you have to empty the bench.

Also, keep in mind that they probably only have 3-4 bench players each....25 man rosters with roughly 12 pitchers doesn't leave much room for bench guys...probably one or two of them nursing an injury or something.

That's why you saw Michael Cuddyer pitch the eighth inning. The Twins had used their BP the night before and with the game being a blowout why go to deep again.

On another note, Cuddyer actually pitched a pretty good inning 1 hit, no runs. FB 86-88 mph for someone that hadn't pitched since HS.

Cuddyer will be out for a week with elbow tenderness.

Yeah, I was thinking it would be funny if he threw on the big ice packs that pitchers use after his appearance. Probably wouldn't have gone over too well after a game like that.

You all are right about limited bench guys, particularly with Beltre hurt.