Notes: Pineda puts in work; Simmons debuts

March 12th, 2021
;

0:00

1:28

      Twins right-hander made his second start of the spring on Friday afternoon and threw 60 pitches in 2 2/3 innings in an 8-5 loss to the Braves.

      Pineda found himself in trouble in the first inning when he allowed an RBI single to Pablo Sandoval. Pineda was unscathed in the second, although he allowed two runners on base.

      In his final inning, Pineda left the game with two outs and a runner on first. He was then charged with his second run of the game, when left-hander Andrew Vasquez allowed a two-run homer to Johan Camargo.

      “It was a good outing for Mike to go out there and face a really good lineup, even though it’s a Spring Training game,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He really had to go out there and compete on a lot of levels when you are facing a team like the Braves.

      “It was a great day of work. It’s preparation for Mike as he gets ready for the regular season. Having to work a little bit to get through those innings is never a bad thing in Spring Training.”

      Simmons plays first game for Twins
      Shortstop played his first game for the Twins this spring and went 0-for-3. Baldelli was pleased that Simmons was able to get his work in.

      “He just needs some at-bats, reps and to be out there on the field to catch up with everyone else, but I thought it was a very productive day for him,” Baldelli said.

      Simmons’ arrival in camp was delayed because of travel documentation problems in leaving his native Curaçao.

      Did you like this story?

      Bill Ladson has been a reporter for MLB.com since 2002. He covered the Nationals/Expos from 2002-2016.