The red-hot Guardians now face a four-game series in Minnesota against the dilapidated Twins, with forecasted rain threatening to make things complicated.
The Guardians are 28th in team wRC+ at 86, 10th in baserunning runs above average at 5.5, fourth in Defense at 5.9, 12th in starting pitcher ERA at 3.90, and fourth in bullpen ERA at 3.50.
The Twins are 16th in team wRC+ at 98, 18th in baserunning runs above average at -2, 22nd in Defense at -27.8, 24th in starting pitcher ERA at 4.64, and 26th in bullpen
ERA at 4.68.
Matchups:
Friday, 8:10PM EDT: Parker Messick, LHP, 1.84 ERA vs. Pablo Lopez, RHP, 2.64 ERA
Saturday, game one, 2:10PM EDT: Probably Logan Allen, LHP, 4.36 ERA vs. Probably Joe Ryan, RHP, 3.35 ERA
Saturday, game two, 8:10PM EDT: Probably Slade Cecconi, RHP, 4.39 ERA vs. Probably Bailey Ober, RHP, 5.12 ERA
Sunday, 2:10PM EDT: Joey Cantillo, LHP, 3.27 ERA vs. Simeon Woods-Richardson, RHP
This Twins rotation is still solid, so it will be very important to make the starters work and then get to their bullpen. Of course, last time these teams met, the Twins bullpen punched above their weight against the Guardians, so they need to actually take advantage.
The Guardians are led by Jose Ramirez at 131 wRC+, Kyle Manzardo 118 wRC+, Steven Kwan 99 wRC+, and CJ Kayfus 98 wRC+.
The Twins are led by Luke Keaschall at 138 wRC+, Byron Buxton 138 wRC+, Austin Martin 125 wRC+, Matt Wallner 113 wRC+, Trevor Larnach 104 wRC+ and Kody Clemens 103 wRC+. Jhonny Pereda and Ryan Fitzgerald have also hit very well in just a few games of opportunity. This offense can be dangerous.
It’s not a time to let off the gas… the Guardians need to come in and demonstrate their superiority over Minnesota yet again and keep up the pace with the playoff contenders they are trying to catch.
