Yankees vs Twins Preview: A reversal of 2023 fortune on the cards

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As the New York Yankees stride into Minneapolis with the momentum of seven wins in their last nine games, they find themselves up against a Minnesota Twins team that’s on fire, securing six straight series victories for the first time since 2010. This three-game series at Target Field not only features two teams at the top of their game but also marks a critical juncture in their pursuit of playoff spots in a tight division race. The first spot in AL Central is guarded by the Guardians, while the Orioles are heavily guarding AL East’s first spot for now, but the Yanks and Twins aren’t far behind, and this series win could push them to the top berth.

Yankees vs Minnesota head-to-head

• Games played: 1927
• Won by Yankees: 1139
• Lost by Yankees: 782
• Yankees Win-Loss %: .595
• Runs scored by Yankees: 9436
• Runs allowed by Yankees: 7475
• Yankees home record: 605-347
• Yankees away record (in Minnesota): 534-428

Yankees latest news

The Yankees are riding a wave of success, winning seven of their past nine games to improve to 27-15 on the season. Their latest victory was a 10-6 triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays, marked by a five-home run display. Catcher Jose Trevino hit two homers, while Aaron Judge contributed his 10th of the season. Judge has been particularly hot, going 12-for-31 with four home runs in his last nine games, raising his batting average to .235.

Luis Gil has been a standout in the Yankees’ rotation, improving to 4-1 with a 2.51 ERA after six shutout innings against the Rays. The Yankees acquired Gil in a 2018 trade for outfielder Jake Cave, and he has proven to be a valuable addition. His ability to limit opposing hitters to a .224 batting average on balls in play has been crucial, despite a high walk rate due to his low first-pitch strike percentage.

Juan Soto, in his first season with the Yankees, is hitting .314 and providing consistent offensive production. The Yankees are also bolstered by the progress of Gerrit Cole, who is recovering from right elbow inflammation and recently threw a bullpen session. Cole’s return could be imminent, adding a significant boost to the rotation.

Additionally, infielder DJ LeMahieu, who has been out with a right foot fracture, is currently rehabbing in Florida and aims to return to the lineup soon.

The Yankees have rebounded from a disappointing 2023 season to become one of the top teams in the American League. They have won 10 of their first 13 series, reaching 12 games above .500 for the first time since June 4 of last year.

Twins latest news

The Minnesota Twins are in the midst of a remarkable run, having won six consecutive series for the first time since September 2010. They currently sit at 24-16, thanks to a recent stretch where they won 17 of their last 20 games. Over the weekend, they took two of three games from the Toronto Blue Jays, capped by a 5-1 win on Sunday where Carlos Santana hit a three-run homer, and starter Bailey Ober struck out 10 to improve to 4-1.

Max Kepler is enjoying a career-high 14-game hitting streak, while Carlos Santana has been red-hot, going 7-for-16 with three home runs and eight RBIs in his last four games. This surge has raised Santana’s batting average to a season-high .212.

Byron Buxton, sidelined with right knee inflammation, is eligible to be activated on Tuesday. The Twins are hopeful that Buxton, a key component of their lineup, will be ready after running the bases to test his readiness.

The Twins’ two-week hot streak, which included a 12-game winning streak, has put them firmly in contention for the AL Central Division title. They will look to maintain their momentum against the Yankees. Chris Paddack will start game two of the series, boasting a 4-1 record with a 4.34 ERA. Paddack has been particularly effective at home, with a 1.11 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 22 innings of work.

Yankees vs Twins game 1: May 14th, 7:40 PM ET

• LHP Carlos Rodón (3-2, 3.56 ERA) vs. RHP Chris Paddack (4-1, 4.34 ERA): Rodón, enjoying a bounce-back season, has pitched four quality starts in his eight outings. Paddack, meanwhile, has been dominant at home and looks to continue his strong performance.

Yankees vs Twins game 2: May 15th, 7:40 PM ET

• RHP Marcus Stroman (2-2, 3.80 ERA) vs. RHP Pablo López (4-2, 3.89 ERA): Stroman will face López in what promises to be a tightly contested matchup between two reliable right-handers.

Yankees vs Twins game 3: May 16th, 1:10 PM ET

• RHP Clarke Schmidt (4-1, 2.95 ERA) vs. RHP Joe Ryan (2-2, 3.21 ERA): Schmidt, who has been impressive this season, will square off against Ryan, a rising star in the Twins’ rotation.

The Yankees and Twins both enter this series with impressive recent performances, setting the stage for an exciting and pivotal matchup. The Yankees’ powerful offense, led by a resurgent Aaron Judge and a consistent Juan Soto, will be tested by the Twins’ strong pitching staff and red-hot hitters like Max Kepler and Carlos Santana. This series could have significant implications for both teams as they continue their pursuit of division titles and playoff berths. Expect competitive games and high-stakes baseball at Target Field this week. What do you think? Leave your comment below!

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