The Minnesota Twins hope their time off arrived on the excellent time.
Minnesota simply acquired swept in a three-game sequence by the visiting Atlanta Braves and has misplaced eight of its previous 10 video games. On Thursday, the Twins gladly stayed away from the ballpark and aimed for a psychological reset.
They are going to be again in motion Friday evening in opposition to the Toronto Blue Jays to open a three-game set in Minneapolis.
Minnesota is on the lookout for a bounce-back sequence because it enters the weekend 3 1/2 video games behind the first-place Cleveland Guardians and 1 1/2 video games behind the second-place Kansas Metropolis Royals within the American League Central.
Twins supervisor Rocco Baldelli believes his staff is able to overcoming adversity.
“We have hit a bump and we have been fairly streaky — mainly for the whole season,” Baldelli stated. “(After dangerous stretches), we have come proper again from it and performed some fairly good baseball. It is about time we determine that out and get it finished. I actually do not wish to watch these sorts of video games anymore.”
In the meantime, the Blue Jays can be much less rested however feeling good as they journey to Minnesota for the weekend sequence. Toronto earned a 2-0 highway win in opposition to the Boston Purple Sox on Thursday evening to achieve a cut up of the four-game sequence.
Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis took a no-hitter into the sixth inning en path to the victory. He carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning in his earlier begin in opposition to the Los Angeles Angels.
“He was simply in complete management,” Toronto supervisor John Schneider stated. “He is acquired such a great way about him — mentally, bodily, execution-wise. His pitch combine is superior. Not far more to say aside from that. He is actually (expletive) good proper now.”
Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (12-9, 4.10 ERA) will attempt to preserve the rotation’s excellence when he takes the mound on Friday. Gausman is on the lookout for back-to-back victories after permitting one run on two hits in seven innings in opposition to the Angels on Sunday. He walked none and struck out 10.
Gausman has struggled in opposition to the Twins all through his profession, going 1-4 with a 6.94 ERA in 12 begins. Minnesota pounded him on Might 11, racking up seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits in three innings.
Minnesota will counter with right-hander Pablo Lopez (12-8, 4.26 ERA), who’s seeking to lengthen a sizzling streak that has seen him go 4-1 with a 2.39 ERA in his previous eight begins. He pitches seven scoreless innings to beat the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, permitting 4 hits and a stroll whereas fanning 9.
Lopez has made two begins in opposition to the Blue Jays in his profession, one in 2021 and one in 2023, going 1-0 with a 5.59 ERA.
One of many prime challenges for Lopez can be tips on how to deal with Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who leads the staff with 27 dwelling runs and 87 RBIs. Toronto stays with out Bo Bichette, who’s out with a strained proper calf.
The Twins are also coping with accidents to key gamers together with Byron Buxton, who has been sidelined by irritation in his proper hip. Buxton might start a minor league rehab project as quickly as this weekend.
–Area Degree Media
