Maeda gave up two runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks while fanning five across 4.1 innings Thursday against the Brewers. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda allowed lots of hard contact and didn't have his best stuff at times, but he still found a way to limit the damage. The Japanese veteran is looking to build on a strong 2020 campaign in which he posted a 2.70 ERA and 0.75 WHIP across 11 starts; it's hard to expect him to match that ridiculous WHIP this year, but Maeda should still deliver strong ratios and plenty of strikeouts for the Twins.

Manager Rocco Baldelli named Maeda the starter for Opening Day against the Brewers on April 1, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 32-year-old had a dominant first year in Minnesota last season with a 2.70 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 80:10 K:BB across 66.2 innings, so it's not much of a surprise to see him at the head of the rotation for 2021. Maeda is hoping to utilize his curveball more this season after throwing it on only 3.4 percent of pitches in 2020.

Maeda threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts in his spring debut in Thursday's loss to Tampa Bay. Maeda worked on his curveball, which he hopes to use more this season. "I don't think the curveball's going to be my payoff pitch with two strikes, but concentrating on the command, I'd like it to be a pitch that I can control to get strikes consistently," Maeda told MLB.com.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda threw his curveball 3.4 percent of the time last season, so he's likely trying to add something extra rather than revamp his approach. It's hard to find much to improve after he went 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA and finishing runner up in the AL Cy Young award voting last season. The only question is whether he can remain as effective while holding up over a full season after his innings were limited in 2017-19 with the Dodgers.

Maeda allowed two hits and three walks over five scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Astros in the first game of the AL Wild Card Series. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda held up his end of the bargain, but the team couldn't come through in Game 1. With that, the Twins have now lost 17 consecutive postseason games, an MLB record. Maeda was brilliant during his first regular season in Minnesota, going 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 80:10 K:BB in 66.2 innings. If he starts again this year, it will be in the American League Division Series.

Maeda (6-1) earned the win Wednesday against the Tigers. He allowed three runs on four hits while fanning nine across six innings.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda posted a quality start in his final start of the 2020 regular season, and he couldn't have wished for a better end of the campaign. The former Dodgers hurler ended the regular season with a 2.70 ERA and is expected to play a big role for the Twins in the postseason as one of Minnesota's top arms. He also ended the regular season striking out at least seven in each of his final seven outings.

Maeda allowed two runs on five hits and struck out eight over five innings Thursday night against the White Sox. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda cruised through the first three innings before surrendering a solo homer in the fourth and a solo shot in the fifth. He'd exit with the game tied at two and without a chance to pick up the victory. Despite the no-decision, he's putting up a stellar season, posting a 2.52 ERA and 0.76 WHIP to go with 71 punchouts across 60.2 frames. Maeda's next start lines up for Wednesday against Detroit.

Maeda (5-1) did not allow a run while giving up four hits and two walks across seven innings as he earned the win Friday against the Indians. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda tossed seven shutout innings as he engaged in a pitcher's duel with Shane Bieber all night. It was the 32-year-old's second scoreless outing this season with both coincidentally coming against the Indians. The Twins have gotten a great bargain out of Maeda from their offseason trade with the Dodgers as he is enjoying a career year highlighted by his 2.43 ERA and 63:10 K:BB. He'll look to keep things rolling in a tough road matchup against the White Sox on Wednesday.

Maeda didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Tigers, giving up three runs on two hits and a walk over six-plus innings. He struck out eight.

EDGE Analysis

He was locked in a 1-1 pitchers' duel with rookie Tarik Skubal heading into the seventh inning, but after Maeda gave up a walk and a single to begin the frame he got the hook and had to watch as Tyler Clippard allowed both inherited runners to score. It was still Maeda's second straight quality start and his sixth of the season, and he'll carry a 2.77 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and massive 56:8 K:BB through 48.2 innings into his next outing Sept. 12, at home against Cleveland.

Maeda (4-1) allowed three runs on six hits and no walks while striking out eight over six innings as he was charged with the loss Sunday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda has posted his three highest strikeout totals of the season over his past three starts as he's struck out 27 batters during that time, but he's only earned one win during that time. Sunday's loss was his first of the season as the Twins couldn't generate much run production. The righty now carries a 2.53 ERA and 48:7 K:BB over 42.2 innings this season. He'll get another chance to face the Tigers on Friday at Target Field.

Maeda's scheduled start was pushed back to Sunday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Maeda won't take the mound during Saturday's twin bill as the team will likely utilize its bullpen during the second game. Pushing Maeda's start back by a day allows Rich Hill to get an extra day of rest, as he should start Monday. Maeda is 4-0 with a 2.21 ERA and 40:7 K:BB over 36.2 innings this season.