Week in Review: Back in Action

[Nick Nelson]

The Twins returned from a long All-Star break and tangled at home with the first-place Brewers over the weekend in a hard-fought two-game series between a pair of contenders, dropping two close games. There was plenty of action to discuss in this brief but eventful series, and we also got a ton of updates on injured players and their timelines.

Image courtesy of Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Weekly Snapshot: Mon, 7/15 through Sun, 7/21
***
Record Last Week: 0-2 (Overall: 54-44)
Run Differential Last Week: -5 (Overall: +42)
Standing: 2nd Place in AL Central (5.0 GB) 

Last Week's Game Results:

Game 97 | MIL 8, MIN 4: Thrilling Game Ends in Frustrating Fashion
Game 98 | MIL 8, MIN 7: Pitching Letdown Leads to Sweep in Short Series 

IF YOU'D RATHER LISTEN TO THE WEEK IN REVIEW THAN READ IT, YOU CAN NOW FIND IT IN PODCAST FORM. GET THE LATEST EPISODE HERE. ALSO AVAILABLE ON APPLE AND SPOTIFY.

NEWS & NOTES

The Minnesota Twins didn't have too much representation at Tuesday's All-Star Game, although Willi Castro did appear in the eighth inning as designated hitter, grounding out in his lone at-bat. Due to the prolonged break, it was a very sparse week of games, with only two played by the Twins, but we received plenty of injury updates as the club returned to Target Field to open a home stand. Here's the latest on players who've been out of action, and their return timelines:

• The Twins placed Carlos Correa on the injured list due to the plantar fasciitis diagnosis that kept him from playing in the final two games before the break, as well as the All-Star Game. Correa is reportedly at home with a boot on his right foot, keeping the injured heel immobilized following a platelet-rich plasma injection to boost healing. The Twins have suggested that they envision his absence being more in the two-week range versus a month-plus, but that's a pretty tough determination to make at this point. Sounds like Castro will primarily handle shortstop in Correa's stead, with Brooks Lee mixing in.
• After being activated and making two starts last week, Chris Paddack landed right back on the IL coming out of the break, with what is now being termed a "right forearm strain" after he experienced tightness over the break. Rocco Baldelli downplayed the severity of the issue to reporters on Saturday, saying the injury  "doesn't seem like anything major, to be honest. His elbow seems fine, the ligament seems fine, everything seems fine. It's some sort of muscle strain and should heal up." Even if true, the injury timeline puts Minnesota's front office in a bit of a crunch, with the trade deadline less than 10 days away. They won't get another look at Paddack until it's passed. Can they count on him the rest of the way? I think at this point you have to say no.
• Replacing Correa and Paddack on the roster are Edouard Julien and Austin Martin, meaning the Twins have shifted their balance of hitters and pitchers, although carrying only 12 arms is assuredly temporary. The Twins will be in need of another starter when the fifth turn in the rotation arrives on Wednesday. Who will it be? Louie Varland? David Festa? Zebby Matthews, who was promoted last week to join Varland and Festa in Triple-A, is not in the mix after making his first start for the Saints on Sunday, but he could put himself in this conversation quickly.
• Prior to their series finale against the Brewers, the Twins placed Kody Funderburk on the injured list with an oblique strain. Ronny Henriquez was called up to replace him in the bullpen, but that might be a short-term arrangement with Brock Stewart on his way back from a lengthy IL stint of his own. Stewart made his first rehab appearance at Triple-A on Friday, striking out two in a scoreless inning, and then struck out the side in a perfect inning on Sunday, reaching 97 MPH. He's getting very close.
• José Miranda was not activated from the IL on Sunday, his first day of eligibility, with the team sharing that he'll need a little more time to get past the lower back strain that bothered him in San Francisco. But Miranda is "close to returning," according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, "and could potentially do so without going on a minor-league rehab assignment."
• A final exciting note: it sounds like Royce Lewis's return is also fairly imminent. He declared himself ready to go at Target Field over the weekend, though the team is inclined to take a slightly more cautious approach. So long as everything stays on track, Lewis is poised to embark on a brief rehab stint in the coming week. Tthe Saints are at home against Omaha starting Tuesday.

HIGHLIGHTS

Pablo López got his second half started the right way on Saturday, looking the part of a No. 1 starter in tossing seven innings of one-run ball against the first-place Brewers. López struck out seven and walked one, scattering four hits. He seems to have hopefully reined in his long-ball issues, having allowed only two homers in his past five starts. During that span, López has a 2.90 ERA and is holding opponents to a .505 OPS.

 

Carlos Santana came through with another huge home run on Saturday night, a dramatic game-tying two-run blast with the Twins down to their last strike in the 11th inning. Santana's numbers this year don't jump off the page – a .241 average, .429 slugging, 14 homers and 43 RBI – but he's been so steady since the slow start, and clutch moments like this one are quickly raising his profile. Santana leads all Twins hitters in Win Probability Added this month.

 

Byron Buxton was back in the lineup on Saturday and Sunday, thankfully, after missing the final two games of the first half. He moved into the No. 3 spot in the order, and launched a pair of homers in Sunday's game to extend his merciless power-hitting streak, which has seen the center fielder crush seven home runs and nine doubles in his past 17 games. His slugging percentage for the season is up to .510, ranking third on the team behind Miranda and Correa. Buxton is back. We just need him to stay healthy, now more than ever.

LOWLIGHTS

The sloppy defense and baffling mental mistakes unfortunately did not dry up for Minnesota over the All-Star break. Their first game after the five-day respite distinctly resembled their last one before it: the Twins admirably battled back in a hard-fought contest, only to lose at the end thanks to poor fielding and inexplicable decision-making. 

Minnesota's miscues are frequently coming at high-stakes moments in games, making them all the more tough to stomach. Saturday's game saw Milwaukee score the go-ahead run score in the 11th when Martin failed to make a clean throw him after a hard grounder was hit directly at him with a drawn-in infield. 

 

After Santana managed to erase the deficit in the bottom half of the inning, Twins pitchers managed to quickly load up the bases with no outs in the 12th, thanks to Steven Okert letting a popped-up bunt fall on the third base line, and then grabbing it before it could spin into foul territory. Legitimately one of the worst mental gaffes I've seen from a big-leaguer. This played a role in a meltdown inning that saw the Brewers score five runs to blow the game open.

Okert didn't help himself in another shaky outing where he give up three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. His ERA is up to 4.40 on the season. With Funderburk now sidelined, Okert and Thielbar are the only left-handed relievers available, and neither one has done much to earn faith. 

These reliever lapses and fielding flubs are being magnified by an offense that has been unable to build comfortable leads. Prior to squeaking out seven runs on Sunday, the Twins had gone six straight games without scoring five or more, after doing so in 20 of their previous 27. They are hitting .205 in their past seven games, and over the weekend they were 3-for-26 in scoring opportunities.

The run-scoring dropoff is understandable to a degree with so many key hitters now sidelined, but you'd still expect more from this offense given its depth. They're not running out bad lineups, there are just too many capable players failing to step up, aside from Buxton. Max Kepler is at the top of that list: He did bang a double off the overhang in the ninth inning on Sunday, but was otherwise 1-for-8 over the weekend. He has only three home runs in his past 50 games, to go along with roughly a .600 OPS. Where did the guy from last year's second half and the early weeks of this season go?

Elsewhere, there are some really tough trendlines at play. Manuel Margot is now 0-for-23 as a pinch-hitter this season after coming up empty in a pair of chances against Milwaukee. Castro has a .157 average with runners in scoring position, the worst in the majors. Ryan Jeffers is batting .190 in his past 40 games. It's very difficult to remain prolific as an offense, down several stars, when the remaining guys are coming up short.

TRENDING STORYLINE

The impending returns of Lewis, Miranda and Stewart are the big storyline at a time where the Twins are struggling to produce runs and letting tight games slip away late. If all goes to plan, the team will be getting back two of their best hitters and one of their best relievers in time for the stretch run; if they can stay healthy the rest of the way, this trio can play a massive role in propelling the Twins to a division title and beyond.

The corresponding roster moves seem mostly straightforward at this point, with Henriquez and Diego A. Castillo currently serving as placeholders in the bullpen and infield, and Jair Camargo going mostly unused as third catcher. It's all just a matter of when, and naturally, much of that may hinge on how things play out in St. Paul this week. In the case of Miranda, as mentioned, he might be able to skip a minor-league tuneup and rejoin the club as soon as he's ready. 

I wouldn't be surprised if all three were available for the weekend series in Detroit.

LOOKING AHEAD

From one formidable first-place National League opponent to another: On Monday the Twins will welcome the Philadelphia Phillies to town for a three-game series. The Phils have the best record in baseball and will present a daunting challenge for a Minnesota club that has gone 2-19 against teams with 57 or more wins currently (Baltimore, New York, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Los Angeles).

It's time to lock in and change the narrative. The Twins can't afford to let the gap behind Cleveland in the standings get much wider, and frankly they've got much to prove in the face of these continual letdowns against top competition. On the bright side, Minnesota is in line to get back some crucial roster reinforcements, but probably not in time for the Phillies series.

 

MONDAY, JULY 22: PHILLIES @ TWINS – LHP Ranger Suarez v. RHP Bailey Ober
TUESDAY, JULY 23: PHILLIES @ TWINS – RHP Zack Wheeler v. RHP Simeon Woods Richardson
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24: PHILLIES @ TWINS – RHP Aaron Nola v. TBD
FRIDAY, JULY 26: TWINS @ TIGERS – RHP Pablo Lopez v. RHP Keider Montero
SATURDAY, JULY 27: TWINS @ TIGERS – RHP Joe Ryan v. TBD
SUNDAY, JULY 28: TWINS @ TIGERS – RHP Bailey Ober v. RHP Jack Flaherty

 

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[tony&rodney]

Very disappointed by the poor throw by Martin but Jeffers put himself in a bad position and then actually made the tag with the glove while holding the ball in his bare hand. In these days of challenges and TV replays, this was a brain fart. I know the angst is high with Vazquez behind the plate but I can't help thinking he makes that play by staying back on the bad throw and making a quick tag. Then again, Christian had an egregious miss on an easy one bounce throw home from the outfield to get a runner not long ago.

The Twins needs to scuffle for runs every inning. The Phillies are a mean bunch of hombres. We get to face their top three arms. 

Should be a fun series.

[Schmoeman5]

I've been saying it for months. Jeffers was an all-star in April. Since then he's a mirror of Vazquez. Willi Castro plays 1 position pretty good. 2nd base. The other 4 he's average at best. And I've also indicated his hitting with runners on has been pathetic. Not all-star caliber.  The kool-aid has already taken over. When you read about Margot and how good he's been since June. Are we watching the same games. On D he looks as if he's NEVER played the OF. Oh and Thielbar has been better of late. Keep running him and Oakhurst out there. They'll get it together. Nope. Bruce Lee is going to be the spark to get the Twins over the top. Nope. Right now he's in over his head and looks lost offensively and on defense.  He makes good plays and then throws balls over heads or 20' feet short. Martin.  Haha. That arm plays nowhere. But he can play multiple positions. Really? Which ones? I used to move heavy equipment.  Big stuff. I can load them and know what all the sticks and pedals do. That doesn't make me an operator. Oh and I'm watching Dodgers Red Sox game. Boston has 3 lefties facing Paxton who kills LH hitters. Duran took him deep the opposite way in the 1st. The Twins playbook would have him on the bench.  The Twins lineups are like the weather. Lh lineup, Rh lineup, day games after night game lineup,  Getaway day lineup. My mom's here in the crowd lineup. Correa and Buxton need days off lineup. Rocco manages like it's tee ball and everyone plays. I've ranted enough. 

[mikelink45]

This is a hard report to comment on.  At least we didn't lose during the all-star break.

 

[D.C Twins]

We need bullpen help at the trade deadline. 

[tony&rodney]

Sounds like some people wish the Twins were keeping pace with the White Sox. 

The younger and more inexperienced players need to earn their way and make contributions but in baseball the more experienced players are more often tasked to lead. With a patched up position roster filled with inexperience (Julien, Castro, Lee, Wallner, Martin, Camargo), the vets need to lead and hope the youth step up.

The Twins still have the same goal as when the season began and it is still obtainable.

10 games above .500 with 64 to go. The games versus Cleveland will be key. 

 

[Patzky]

9 hours ago, Schmoeman5 said:

I've been saying it for months. Jeffers was an all-star in April. Since then he's a mirror of Vazquez. Willi Castro plays 1 position pretty good. 2nd base. The other 4 he's average at best. And I've also indicated his hitting with runners on has been pathetic. Not all-star caliber.  The kool-aid has already taken over. When you read about Margot and how good he's been since June. Are we watching the same games. On D he looks as if he's NEVER played the OF. Oh and Thielbar has been better of late. Keep running him and Oakhurst out there. They'll get it together. Nope. Bruce Lee is going to be the spark to get the Twins over the top. Nope. Right now he's in over his head and looks lost offensively and on defense.  He makes good plays and then throws balls over heads or 20' feet short. Martin.  Haha. That arm plays nowhere. But he can play multiple positions. Really? Which ones? I used to move heavy equipment.  Big stuff. I can load them and know what all the sticks and pedals do. That doesn't make me an operator. Oh and I'm watching Dodgers Red Sox game. Boston has 3 lefties facing Paxton who kills LH hitters. Duran took him deep the opposite way in the 1st. The Twins playbook would have him on the bench.  The Twins lineups are like the weather. Lh lineup, Rh lineup, day games after night game lineup,  Getaway day lineup. My mom's here in the crowd lineup. Correa and Buxton need days off lineup. Rocco manages like it's tee ball and everyone plays. I've ranted enough. 

But I do love the Bruce Lee shout-out!

[theBOMisthebomb]

What are the chances of Randy Dobnak resurfacing with the Twins? It would be a fun story for him to make it back to the MLB and he appears deserving.

Also, I'm more concerned with the Twins maintaining their wildcard position versus catching Cleveland. 

[Parfigliano]

11 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Very disappointed by the poor throw by Martin but Jeffers put himself in a bad position and then actually made the tag with the glove while holding the ball in his bare hand. In these days of challenges and TV replays, this was a brain fart. I know the angst is high with Vazquez behind the plate but I can't help thinking he makes that play by staying back on the bad throw and making a quick tag. Then again, Christian had an egregious miss on an easy one bounce throw home from the outfield to get a runner not long ago.

The Twins needs to scuffle for runs every inning. The Phillies are a mean bunch of hombres. We get to face their top three arms. 

Should be a fun series.

Fun for which team?

[Peter]

Need to win every game/series from here on out!!! Enough of the one run games/losses!!! Especially falling behind by 4-5runs only to lose by one!!! That needs to stop like right now!!!  It’s run it’s coarse and way way way to stressful!!!! 

[LambchoP]

Don't look now, but the Royals are only one game out from taking our second wild card spot. If we're not careful, Twins could miss the playoffs entirely. Imo, if we are to both make the playoffs AND win a series, we're going to need a solid starter for the rotation, and then at least one lefty and one righty for the bullpen. Maybe most important, get everyone healthy again and keep them healthy. That's a lot of IF's....

[Rhyno006]

Is TK (Tom Kelly) still part of the organization? This team's defense must have him spraying chew spit at the TV. His hitting perspective sucked, but that dude always put a defensively sound team on the field. 

Although as I filter through MLB team stats, it looks like the Twins are actually pretty solid in the field sitting at 9th in FP and tied for sixth fewest errors. Have the errors just come at costly times to cost us games? Maybe that's why  as I would have thought they were way worse than that. 

[DJL44]

15 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

We need bullpen help at the trade deadline. 

If Paddack is out then the priority has to be another starting pitcher. They probably won't make the playoffs with Festa starting regularly.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Rhyno006 said:

Is TK (Tom Kelly) still part of the organization? This team's defense must have him spraying chew spit at the TV. His hitting perspective sucked, but that dude always put a defensively sound team on the field. 

I think Tom Kelly lives in Maplewood which means he can't watch the games due to the Comcast dispute.

[Blyleven2011]

I'm sure the twins are not welcoming the Phillies with open arms , twins are In a world of hurt right now ...

I can't believe  with rest during the Allstar break how many players went on the IL list ...

To me , not reporting a previous Injury  by player or management to the fans is a detriment to their product  ...

 

[Giles Ferrell]

4 hours ago, LambchoP said:

Don't look now, but the Royals are only one game out from taking our second wild card spot. If we're not careful, Twins could miss the playoffs entirely. Imo, if we are to both make the playoffs AND win a series, we're going to need a solid starter for the rotation, and then at least one lefty and one righty for the bullpen. Maybe most important, get everyone healthy again and keep them healthy. That's a lot of IF's....

I just noticed this today as well. Kansas City crept their way up there. 

[Doctor Gast]

The Twins came into the series short-handed. But got swept by MIL by them playing small ball, hit & run, stealing bases, defense, bunting & hitting in the clutch. The Twins didn't. The Twins could have easily swept MIL.

[Blyleven2011]

48 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

The Twins came into the series short-handed. But got swept by MIL by them playing small ball, hit & run, stealing bases, defense, bunting & hitting in the clutch. The Twins didn't. The Twins could have easily swept MIL.

I sure hope I see some small ball in the Phillies series , with this squad  of players we need to manufacture some runs with runners in scoring position  and yes , better defense too ... 

You can win close games with defense  ...

I sure hope Rocco and company took notice how Milwaukee  played against us ...

If we play small ball against the phillies and lose , we'll at least say we tried something  ...

Twins are In a world of hurt at the moment and we have a difficult time against winning teams , Detroit series might right the ship ...