Erick Fedde's changeup was certainly respectable in 2024, but as the right-hander begins his season with the Cardinals for the first time, Fedde sees more potential in it.
Fedde (9-9, 3.30 in 2024) starts Saturday for the Cardinals, who host the Twins at 1:15 p.m. in the second game of the season. 51ºÚÁÏ won the opener on Thursday, 5-3.
Dealt from the White Sox to 51ºÚÁÏ at last season's trade deadline, Fedde spent the offseason working to shape that change and increase its vertical break.
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Last season, Minnesota ranked third-best in the American League against the changeup by Statcast runs above average per 100 pitches.
Carlos Santana, a big part of that success, is no longer on the roster, however.
To counter, Minnesota will send out right-hander Joe Ryan (7-7, 3.60 in 2024), who is entering his fourth full big league season.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Lars Nootbaar, LF
2. Willson Contreras, 1B
3. Brendan Donovan, 2B
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Alec Burleson, DH
6. Iván Herrera, C
7. Jordan Walker, RF
8. Victor Scott II, CF
9. Masyn Winn, SS
P: Erick Fedde, RHP
TWINS
1. Matt Wallner, RF
2. Carlos Correa, SS
3. Byron Buxton, CF
4. Trevor Larnach, LF
5. Ty France, 1B
6. Mickey Gasper, DH
7. Willi Castro, 2B
8. Jose Miranda, 3B
9. Christian Vázquez, C
P: Joe Ryan, RHP
Injury updates
Zack Thompson, LHP (lat strain): Remained in Jupiter, Florida, to begin a throwing program after a month of limited activity and no throwing. Thompson went through multiple checkups and scans to monitor the healing of a tear in his lat on the left side, and they did not show any setback to delayed Thompson's scheduled move to the injured list. Updated March 29
