First Pitch (CT): 6:40 PM
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN/830 WCCO/102.9 The Wolf /Audacy App
Know Yo’ Foe: South Side Sox
Seems like just a week that vibes were high as we went into a heated playoff clash with the upstart Chicago White Sox. Well, after losing 3/4 in that series, getting swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and losing Bailey Ober to an arm injury… the vibes are notably lower. Though, thanks to the general terribleness of the American League and the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals in particular,
the Twins’ playoff odds are about the same as they were last week.
Here’s some good news: it’s Joe Ryan day! On a volatile team, it’s nice to have the ace who takes the ball every five games and gets you a great result nearly every time. The Twins will be facing David Sandlin on the other side, making the second start of his career, both against Minnesota. Byron Buxton hit a homer off the rookie last week and no one else did much of note. Hopefully the bats can make some more noise back at home.
Roster notes:
- Byron Buxton is DHing again and has played CF just once over the past month since his injury. Coming into the season this could have been an exciting chance to see Emmanuel Rodriguez, Walker Jenkins, or even Alan Roden, but all three of those outfielders are hurt.
- In the meantime… Kody Clemens has been the go-to option in CF. Austin Martin’s glove isn’t trusted there while James Outman’s bat has been a drag all season long. Outman is likely the odd man out(man) whenever Roden returns.
- There’s no clear fill-in for Ober at this point. With Lopez, Abel, Festa, and Rojas all on the IL for the foreseeable future, the St. Paul depth is essentially tapped. Andrew Morris has looked sharp out of the bullpen, but you have to wonder if the Twins are forced to stretch him back out at this point. Same could be said for John Klein.
- In good news: Cole Sands is starting a rehab assignment this week. Those are always shorter for relievers and his return could allow Morris, Klein, or Paredes to work as a true starter.
