The Minnesota Twins currently hold a 38-44 record and sit 4.5 games back in the American League Central. Minnesota suffered a narrow 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night. This completed a three-game series sweep for the visitors at Target Field.
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MLB Game Recap
The Minnesota Twins fell early at Target Field. It was in front of the year’s first sellout crowd of 39,853. This happened despite a three-run second inning sparked by a two-RBI single from Ryan Kreidler. Starting pitcher Joe Ryan struggled during a high-stress third inning. During this inning, the Dodgers rallied with three runs on four hits. They reclaimed the lead. Ryan settled in and struck out nine over six innings. Meanwhile, the Minnesota offense went silent against Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani retired his final seven batters and secured the victory for Los Angeles.
Standout Performer
Brooks Lee was a consistent presence in the lineup. He finished 1-for-2 with a run scored. He also had a stolen base and two walks. Lee troubled the Dodgers’ pitching staff. He ignited a rally in the third inning. He reached base three times to keep the Twins within striking distance.
Key News & Notes
Right-hander Mick Abel will undergo arthroscopic elbow surgery after a setback during his rehab session last Friday. The specific return timeline depends on the procedure. Meanwhile, Bailey Ober is scheduled for his second bullpen session. He is recovering from a mild flexor strain. His potential return target is just before the All-Star break. To bolster the bullpen, the Twins called up veteran RHP Austin Voth from Triple-A St. Paul and optioned Cody Laweryson.
Farm Report
- St. Paul Saints (AAA): Tanner Schobel went 2-for-3 with a double. He also had a walk, an RBI, and a stolen base in a 4-3 win over the Louisville Bats. The Saints held off a late Louisville rally featuring three home runs to secure the victory.
- Wichita Wind Surge (AA): Jay Thomason finished 1-for-4 with a double. He had two RBIs in an 8-4 loss to the Midland RockHounds. A six-run outburst by Midland in the fifth inning proved too much for the Wind Surge to overcome.
- Cedar Rapids Kernels (A+): Walker Winokur had an impressive performance. He went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs. Unfortunately, the team faced a 12-6 loss to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Winokur’s ninth home run was a bright spot in a game dominated by Wisconsin’s four-homer offensive display.
- Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (A): Jayson Bass went 3-for-4. He hit a home run and a double. Bass also had three RBIs and scored three runs in a 12-8 win over the St. Lucie Mets. Fort Myers exploded for five runs in the eighth inning to break open a tie and secure the win.
- FCL Twins: No Game Scheduled
Deep Dive: Byron Buxton’s Trade Status
General Manager Jeremy Zoll firmly addressed recent trade speculation. He stated that the team has “no interest” in trading star outfielder Byron Buxton. This public stance aligns with Buxton’s own commitment to the franchise. The two-time All-Star holds a full no-trade clause. He recently reiterated that he has no desire to waive it. Zoll emphasized that the rumors were not “rooted in fact.” Both the player and the front office want him to remain in Minnesota long-term.
The urgency to keep Buxton is backed by his league-leading production. He currently leads the American League with 25 home runs while posting a stellar .275/.333/.596 slash line. His presence is vital as the Twins navigate a competitive postseason race; despite being below .500, they sit only two games out of a Wild Card spot. The front office’s absolute endorsement marks a significant shift in communication from last summer. At that time, the organization’s silence on trade rumors reportedly frustrated Buxton. By speaking definitively now, the Twins hope to eliminate distractions as they push toward the August trade deadline.
Looking Ahead
The Minnesota Twins open a three-game home series against the Colorado Rockies this Friday at Target Field. Right-hander Taj Bradley is the probable starter for Minnesota against Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano.
Getting swept at home is a tough pill to swallow. However, Ober is nearing a return, and the front office is backing its stars. The season is far from over.
