5 Critical Second-Half Series for the Minnesota Twins

[Cody Christie]

The Twins will need a tremendous second-half run to overcome the Guardians and win their second straight AL Central title. As they size up what lies ahead, there are a few series worth circling on the schedule.

Image courtesy of Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

The Twins have plenty to play for in the season’s second half, with a chance to win the division or earn the top wild-card spot. Either of those finishes would result in Minnesota hosting a playoff series for the second straight year. The club has consistently found ways to win series in recent weeks, a trend that must continue in the weeks ahead. Here’s a look at the second-half schedule and some of the more important series. 

July 22-24
Home vs. the Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have been arguably baseball’s best team throughout the season’s first half. Philly’s roster is loaded with All-Stars, including big names like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zack Wheeler. Minnesota has struggled against the AL’s best teams, combining to go 0-14 versus the Yankees, Orioles, and Guardians. Philadelphia will provide a challenging test early in the second half.

August 9-11
Home vs. the Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians will visit Minnesota only one more time in 2024. This series is crucial for the Twins, who play four games in three days, including a doubleheader on Friday to make up for a game earlier this season. Minnesota must find a way to solve its issues with Cleveland this season and win three of the four games. If the Twins lose this series, their chances at the AL Central title will significantly diminish. 

August 26-28
Home vs. the Atlanta Braves
In late August, Atlanta makes an important trip to Target Field. Many believed the Braves would sit atop the NL East standings, but they, like the Twins, have been stuck in second place for most of the season. Chris Sale and Reynaldo López have dominated at the top of the Braves’ starting rotation. These will be two playoff-caliber teams attempting to win critical late-season games. 

September 16-19
Road vs. the Cleveland Guardians
Minnesota’s last series against Cleveland comes on the road in the middle of September. It might shape up to be four games to decide the Central. Earlier in the season, the Twins played three games in Cleveland and lost a one-run game, a blowout, and a walk-off. Minnesota can hope for a split on the road, but winning the series or sweeping could be a game-changer in the division race.

September 27-29
Home vs. the Baltimore Orioles
Last season, the Twins ended the year with a series in Colorado that meant little to the team — this season, Minnesota faces the Orioles at home, with both teams likely headed to the playoffs. Will there be anything for the teams to play for? Each team has a chance to be fighting for the top spot in the division. If playoff positions are decided, both teams will get one final test before October. It's possible this could even turn out to be a first-round preview.

The Twins will have other important games in the weeks ahead, but these five series can be circled on your pocket schedule that is fading in your car. The Twins must win both series against Cleveland and find a way to show they can play at the same level as the league’s best teams. 

Are there any other second-half series that stand out? What record do the Twins need in the 16 games listed above? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[LambchoP]

We're going to need to field our best players and do whatever it takes to win as many as we can against the Guardians. That means get everyone healthy and not sit any of our stars those days. If we can win the division we'd be in a much better position than just taking the second wildcard spot.

[Mark G]

Those are going to be some fun series, and they are going to tell us a lot about how we stack up against the playoff caliber teams (which will be important, because that 0-14 record still sticks in our collective craw).  But I am not all that worried about any of the remaining games except the Guardians, because the Guardians have series left with the Phillies, Orioles, Brewers, Yankees, Dodgers, and Astros, not to mention the 8 against us, and 7 with the Royals, too.  That is almost exactly half their remaining games.  I think we will win or lose the division based on the 8 games we play head to head, but if we can so much as split them, I think we win the division based on the toughness of their schedule.  If we lose 6 out of 8........hmmm.......🙄

I love the challenge ahead with these 5 series, but I really think it will all boil down to the 8 against the Guardians.  

[mnfireman]

I would add earning the split with Milwaukee as being critical, more so since the team is short-handed due to injuries.

[JD-TWINS]

Series in Boston in mid-September is potentially for the 3rd spot to get into the playoffs!

K.C. is going nowhere - Seattle may pick up a couple hitters - Astros are solid - O’s or Yanks have 1 Wild Card - Boston seems stable - even Texas has the roster to make a run at us…….4-5 teams for the last 2 spots.