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Johan Santana, Joe Mauer Reunite For First Pitch Before Twins-Astros ALDS Game 3

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Sam Connon | Last updated 10/10/23

Two of the greatest players in Minnesota Twins history linked up once again, this time in a playoff environment.

Ahead of Game 3 of the ALDS between the Twins and Houston Astros, three-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana arrived to throw out the first pitch. His former teammate and 2009 AL MVP, Joe Mauer, set up behind the plate to receive the ceremonial toss.

Santana was wearing a Pablo López jersey, honoring the righty whose gem lifted Minnesota to a Game 2 win in Houston.

Despite donning the threads of the Twins' new ace, Santana was unable to replicate López's stuff on the mound. Santana's first pitch was in the dirt, forcing Mauer to corrall it off a bounce.

Santana was with the Twins from 2000 to 2007, when he left for the New York Mets in free agency. Mauer, on the other hand, spent his entire career in Minnesota, as the former No. 1 overall pick remained with the club from 2004 to 2018.

Between the two of them, Santana and Mauer put up a combined 91.0 WAR in their time with the Twins.

Mauer never won a playoff game with Minnesota, however, while Santana went just 2-3 across his five postseasons starts as a member of the club. Santana's 2.93 ERA in those games hardly helped the Twins dodge their modern playoff demons, as they wound up losing nine series in a row throughout the 2000s and 2010s.

Those fortunes changed this year, when the Twins swept the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Wild Card Series. Minnesota even picked up a Game 2 win on the road in the ALDS, although they currently trail Houston 4-0 early in Game 3.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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