Minnesota Twins Announce Opening Day Starting Lineup for Game vs. Royals

On the eve of Opening Day, the Minnesota Twins released their starting lineup for their first game of the season Thursday at 4:10 p.m. ET against the Kansas City Royals. Pablo Lopez will start for Rocco Baldelli's club Thursday. Here's a look at the Twins' starting lineup for their game against the Kansas City Royals Thursday.

On the eve of Opening Day, the Minnesota Twins released their starting lineup for their first game of the season Thursday at 4:10 p.m. ET against the Kansas City Royals.

Pablo Lopez will make his Twins debut as he takes the mound on Opening Day. The Twins acquired Lopez, long with prospects Byron Chourio and Jose Salas from the Miami Marlins in exchange for utility man Luis Arraez.

The Twins will face veteran Zack Greinke, as the 39-year-old enters his 20th Major League season. Greinke returned to the Royals a year ago, and signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal to remain with the club in February.

Max Kepler will bat leadoff and play right field, with Carlos Correa playing shortstop and hitting second, and designated hitter Byron Buxton hitting behind Correa. Correa was the no. 1 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft; Buxton was the second overall pick in the same draft. Now, the two will be teammates in Minnesota for at least the next six years.

The Twins signed Correa to a six-year deal over the winter, after Correa initially agreed to multi-year deals with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, but had his agreements fall apart after his physical. The Twins agreed to a seven-year, $100 million extension with Buxton in December 2021.

Here's a look at how the Twins will line up for Opening Day:

1) RF Max Kepler

2) SS Carlos Correa

3) DH Byron Buxton

4) LF Trevor Larnach

5) 3B Jose Miranda

6) 2B Nick Gordon

7) 1B Joey Gallo

8) C Christian Vazquez

9) CF Michael A. Taylor

SP Pablo Lopez

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