The Minnesota Twins had a successful series against the Philadelphia Phillies, winning two out of three games, including a thrilling 5-4 victory with a walk-off infield single by Max Kepler. Despite dealing with injuries and having a young team, the Twins have been competitive against top-tier teams like the Phillies.
Infielders Royce Lewis and Jose Miranda are expected to return from the injured list for the weekend series against the Detroit Tigers. Lewis, known for his hitting prowess, has hit 10 home runs and five doubles in just 24 games this season. Miranda was hitting .325 before his lower back injury.
The return of these two key players could significantly boost the Twins’ chances of catching up to the first-place Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. Manager Rocco Baldelli praised the team’s resilience and fighting spirit, emphasizing the importance of never giving up until the final out is made.
Pablo Lopez will take the mound for the Twins in the series opener against the Tigers. Lopez had a strong post-All-Star-break performance against the Brewers, allowing just one run in seven innings. Despite a previous loss to the Tigers, Lopez will look to deliver a solid outing and help his team secure a victory.
On the other side, Keider Montero will be the starting pitcher for the Tigers. Montero has struggled in his recent starts, giving up five earned runs in each outing. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch highlighted Montero’s issues with location and execution, especially against hitters like George Springer, who took advantage of his pitches in a previous game.
The Tigers are coming off a decent road trip, splitting a series with the Cleveland Guardians. Hinch acknowledged the team’s overall performance and emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and maintaining a positive attitude moving forward.
Both teams will be looking to secure wins in the upcoming series, with the Twins aiming to climb in the division standings and the Tigers hoping to continue their solid play. The return of Lewis and Miranda could be a game-changer for the Twins, while the Tigers will rely on Montero to bounce back from his recent struggles on the mound.