Berrios: Starting for Twins in native Puerto Rico 'is a special moment'

When Jose Berrios takes the hill for the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday to throw the game's first pitch to Puerto Rican countryman Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians, he'll be doing something that hasn't been done in 15 years.

Berrios will become the first native Puerto Rican to start a regular-season MLB game at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico since Javier Vazquez with the Montreal Expos on Sept. 7, 2003.

The 23-year-old is expected to have around 150 relatives and friends attend the contest. The idea of starting in his homeland has been a dream since he was drafted in 2012.

"My family has been waiting a long time for this, just like I have," Berrios told Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com. "This is a special moment for all of us, for the country to come together as one."

Twins manager Paul Molitor knew how much this meant to Berrios and decided to adjust his rotation to make sure the youngster got in a start during the two-game series.

Berrios - who's been working with teammates Eddie Rosario and Kennys Vargas to help those still feeling the effects of Hurricane Maria (which devastated the area last September) since arriving on the island - isn't taking the start for granted and wants to leave a lasting impression on the fans in attendance.

"It's a very special ballpark for all Puerto Ricans," Berrios said of pitching at Hiram Bithorn. "It's one of the most glorious ballparks in America. I grew up watching winter ball games there. I played in the WBC there. It's a very special place for me."

Berrios owns a 2.18 ERA and a 10.5 strikeout-per-nine ratio so far this season and will pitch opposite Carlos Carrasco for the Indians.