ARLINGTON -- The Twins are set to use the "opener" strategy for the first time this season, as lefty reliever Gabriel Moya is expected to start against the Rangers on Sunday, while right-hander Zack Littell will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to serve as what manager Paul Molitor has dubbed the "primary pitcher" after Moya.
The Twins have been utilizing the strategy for months at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels, much like the Rays have done at the Major League level. The A's also employed it for the first time Saturday, starting reliever Liam Hendriks with Daniel Mengden behind him.