MLB and the MLBPA yesterday announced the Twins and Indians will play a "two-game series in Puerto Rico on April 17-18, 2018," the first time the Twins have played games outside the U.S. or Canada, according to La Velle Neal III of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The Twins will "be the host team of the series, to be played at legendary Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan." Twins President Dave St. Peter said that the club "doesn’t anticipate any issues with season-ticket holders who will have a packet of 79 home games instead of 81." He also "pointed out that losing two midweek games in April shouldn’t create any hassles." The club "might offer a travel package" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/22). Twins manager Paul Molitor said the host site is a “good fit” considering the Twins have three Puerto Ricans and the Indians are led by SS Francisco Lindor, who grew up 18 miles south of San Juan. In St. Paul, Chad Graff notes in recent years, baseball academies have been "built in Puerto Rico as part of an effort for local players to develop and get noticed by MLB scouts" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 6/22). Indians manger Terry Francona: "When I was with Boston, we opened the season one year in Japan. I know teams have gone to Australia and Mexico. It can be a little difficult getting people ready, but this really shouldn't be that difficult. ... It's good for the game" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 6/22). YAHOO SPORTS' Mark Townsend noted MLB has not "held regular season games in Puerto Rico" since '10. The Pirates and Marlins were "scheduled to play a two-game series there last May, but the series was postponed and eventually relocated due to concerns over the Zika virus" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/21).
