Colorado Rockies vs. Minnesota Twins: 5 key players to watch

Apr 3, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Fans surround Target Field as they await the gates to open for the game with the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Fans surround Target Field as they await the gates to open for the game with the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana (54) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Ervin Santana, SP, Minnesota

The Rockies will see Santana on Wednesday night when he takes the mound against German Marquez, who pitched a gem in his last outing against the Chicago Cubs. He made need to duplicate the effort against the 34-year-old right-hander who is enjoying a stellar season.

In eight starts this season, Santana is 6-1 with a 1.50 ERA. His six wins are tied for the American League lead while his ERA is the second-lowest in the AL.

His ERA was down as low as 0.66 earlier this month before the Boston Red Sox tagged him for six runs (including four homers) on May 7. That’s been the only blight on Santana’s record this season. He hasn’t allowed more than one earned run in any of his other seven starts.

Opponents are batting just .129 against Santana this season. However, the Rockies are hoping that the past pays dividends for them on Wednesday night. In four career starts against Colorado, Santana has a 6.31 ERA.