Twins 6, Tigers 3: Keaschall's Return Slugs the Twins Past Paddack and Detroit

[Steven Trefz]

Image courtesy of © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Box Score
SP: Zebby Matthews - 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K (86 pitches, 55 strikes (64%))
Home Runs: Luke Keaschall (1), Trevor Larnach (15)
Top 3 WPA: Keaschall (.175), Matthews (.127), Larnach (.106)

Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs) 

After the new look Twins bullpen failed to hold another lead in its post-deadline journey, Zebby Matthews got the call to tame the AL Central Division leading Tigers. The Tigers countered with former Twin Chris Paddack, who looked to build upon a successful six-inning, one-run effort in his first win for Detroit. The Twins were playing a man down due to the late roster addition of Brooks Kriske. Luckily, one of the 25 guys that they did have ready for the game was rookie Luke Keaschall, who made his return to the lineup after a lengthy IL stint with a broken arm. Keaschall's arms were life-giving to the Twins offense for a week in April, could they bring healing to the current struggles as well?

Kody Meet Luke, Luke...Kody
It was Keaschall's injury on April 25th, that paved the way for the trade that acquired Kody Clemens from the Phillies on April 26. Tonight was the first time the two got to play together, and so far so good for Twins fans. In the top of the first, Paddack's old battery mate Ryan Jeffers laced a double with two out. Clemens came up next, and on a 0-1 count he ripped a double of his own down the right field line to score Jeffers for an early 1-0 Twins lead. With Clemens in scoring position, Keaschall got his long awaited first at-bat, and he told Kody that he didn't need to worry about running hard. First career home run. Check. Instant reminder of why we love Luke Keaschall. Check. 3-0 Twins!

Paddack stopped the bleeding there, and the two pitchers kept their opponents quiet for the most part until the bottom of the third inning. Matthews got Jake Rogers to start the frame, but Colt Keith got to second on a double that bounced around the Twins outfielders a bit. Keith came home when Kerry Carpenter's line drive to center field went into and came out of Austin Martin's glove for another double. The lead was cut to 3-1 and the pressure began to swing towards Minnesota again. Matthews responded by striking out Spencer Torkelson to end the threat.

Twins Bats Stay Alive
Paddack took the mound in the top of the fourth inning in hopes of taking care of business and getting his new teammates back in the dugout as soon as possible. He only faced four batters, but the second batter, Mr. Trevor Larnach, took an 88-mph cutter 409 ft at 109.4 mph to stay red hot in August and to put the lead back up to 4-1 Minnesota.

In the bottom of the fifth, Paddack's night was finished, and Rafael Montero came in to hold the line. Matt Wallner worked a one-out walk, and then Jeffers blasted yet another ball deep over the head of center fielder Matt Vierling. It glanced off of the tip of Vierling's glove which gave third base coach Tommy Watkins a notion to send Wallner all the way home. He was dead to rights at the plate, but the throw took Rogers the wrong direction and Wallner somehow scored to make it 5-1 with Jeffers standing on second with only one out. Clemens lined out weakly to third base, but Keaschall had his new teammate's back. He shot the ball through the left side of the infield, and Jeffers hustled around to add another RBI to the rookie's tally and to add on for a 6-1 lead.

How Will the Twins Bullpen Fare Tonight?
With a literal bullpen game looming on Wednesday, how far Matthews could take his team and who was needed to hold the lead both carried extra weight. After seeing his pitch count climb early, Matthews managed to complete five strong innings, and former closer Michael Tonkin came in for the sixth and set the Tigers down in order.

In the top of the seventh, Martin literally ran himself and his team into and out of a scoring opportunity. A pair of walks and a stolen base by Martin after a fielder's choice eventually led to runners at first (Wallner) and second (Martin) with one out, and Jeffers at the plate against Troy Melton. After falling behind 3-0, Melton fought back to struck out Jeffers. Clemens stepped into the box and took a mighty swing. The result was a foul tip that caught home plate umpire Chad Fairchild square in the face, causing a lengthy delay while his replacement got padded up. When the game resumed, Clemens fell behind 0-2, and on the third pitch Martin for some reason tried to steal third base and was thrown out easily to end the threat and to leave some more reminders of what can happen in a youth movement.

Tonkin returned for the bottom of the seventh, and the Twins' other Kody, Kody Funderburk, came in to finish it off. Cole Sands came into the bottom of the eighth inning in hopes of locking down the rest of the ballgame. Instead Vierling and Spencer Torkelson scratched singles off of Sands, and with two outs Jahmai Jones hit a tailing liner to right-center that Martin dove for but could not come up with. After the ball had finished rolling, Jones was celebrating on third base, and the score had tightened up to 6-3. Sands kept Jones stranded, but the Twins left more runners in scoring position in the top of the ninth, meaning that the Justin Topa experience in the ninth was going to be a save situation. Time will tell if Topa ever gets another save in a Twins uniform, but tonight he got the job done in non-stressful fashion to get his first save for Minnesota, 

What's Next?
On Wednesday afternoon the Twins look to take an improbable series against the Tigers before they head back to reclaim Target Field for the first time since the trade deadline, The Twins will push Joe Ryan back to the Royals weekend series and put together a bullpen game. With an off day on Thursday, for better or for worse, most of the bullpen crew should be available. The Tigers send RHP Jack Flaherty (6-10, 4.38 ERA) out in search of the series for the home team. First pitch is scheduled for 12:10pm CDT.

Postgame Interviews

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet

	FRI	SAT	SUN	MON	TUE	TOT
Ureña	0	0	69	0	0	69
Sands	20	0	21	0	25	66
Adams	0	0	0	63	0	63
Ohl	0	52	0	0	0	52
Tonkin	11	0	14	0	27	52
Funderburk	11	0	35	0	1	47
Topa	13	0	15	0	15	43
Ramírez	0	0	9	19	0	28
Kriske	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hatch	0	0	0	0	0	0

 

View full article

[shimrod]

That was fun. 

[USAFChief]

Matthews, very encouraging. 

Wallner putting together much better ABs for weeks now.

Keaschall.

Nice.

[Nshore]

I love the energy that Keaschall and Martin bring to the line up.  Haven't seen much of that all year.  Even though they were getting caught stealing - the aggressiveness is great.  Make the other team make plays.  When Buxton gets back this could actually be fun.  

It's a lot to put on a 22 year old, but I really think if Keaschall hadn't gotten hurt, they'd still be fighting for a playoff spot.  He makes everybody better.

[Maybebaby]

Is that a light at the end of the tunnel?

[ashbury]

18 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

Matthews, very encouraging. 

Wallner putting together much better ABs for weeks now.

Keaschall.

Nice.

Hush. We can't have nice things.

[DocBauer]

"Welcome back Mr Keaschall. Would you care for a HR in your return to the lineup this evening?" Wow!

Another good start from Matthews. He had his best start before his IL stint, and a pair of back to back solid games, IIRC the order properly. Could be a very big last 2 months for him, Festa, and Sims. Let's hope we get the latter 2 back ASAP.

Every time I'm still not sure if Clemens has a role in 2026 or not...betting they bring him back...he keeps coming through, albeit with a back that runs hot/cold. But he's having the best season of his career and has been keeping his OPS in the high. 700-.800 range. I believe his swing speed and hard hit % remains the best of his career so far. Is it possible at 29yo a light came on and he really IS a solid role player for the Twins?

While not everyone is a fan, I still like Larnach as a DH and part time corner OF. I just like him better in the 6-7 hole rather than "one of our best bats" near the top of the lineup. It's possible he's traded this offseason. It's possible he's traded later than that due to Rodriguez, Jenkins, and the recently acquired Roden being ready to replace him down the road a bit further. But I still like him.

Can we PLEASE get the 2024 version of Sands back? Need a new bullpen for 2026? Sands regains some close resembling to last season's version and we can check off one box.

[Parfigliano]

Martin is not a MLB outfielder.

[NotAboutWinning]

Entertaining game to watch.... At this point, I'll take that!

[stringer bell]

8 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Martin is not a MLB outfielder.

I’m afraid you’re right and he’s been unimpressive with the bat. I’d like to see what he can do over a 30 game stretch before the team gives up on him.

Roden is the same for me. Thrived in AAA, but so far isn’t up to major league ball.

Larnach and Wallner are too much alike IMHO and the club will have to choose one and trade the other.

Zebby + Festa + Abel + Bradley is a wealth of rotation talent on the cusp. One or two to the bullpen?

[bunsen82]

22 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

"Welcome back Mr Keaschall. Would you care for a HR in your return to the lineup this evening?" Wow!

Another good start from Matthews. He had his best start before his IL stint, and a pair of back to back solid games, IIRC the order properly. Could be a very big last 2 months for him, Festa, and Sims. Let's hope we get the latter 2 back ASAP.

Every time I'm still not sure if Clemens has a role in 2026 or not...betting they bring him back...he keeps coming through, albeit with a back that runs hot/cold. But he's having the best season of his career and has been keeping his OPS in the high. 700-.800 range. I believe his swing speed and hard hit % remains the best of his career so far. Is it possible at 29yo a light came on and he really IS a solid role player for the Twins?

While not everyone is a fan, I still like Larnach as a DH and part time corner OF. I just like him better in the 6-7 hole rather than "one of our best bats" near the top of the lineup. It's possible he's traded this offseason. It's possible he's traded later than that due to Rodriguez, Jenkins, and the recently acquired Roden being ready to replace him down the road a bit further. But I still like him.

Can we PLEASE get the 2024 version of Sands back? Need a new bullpen for 2026? Sands regains some close resembling to last season's version and we can check off one box.

Sands gets out of that inning with 0 runs or 1 run with a competent center fielder.  Buxton gets to that ball if he is playing.  

[DocBauer]

7 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I’m afraid you’re right and he’s been unimpressive with the bat. I’d like to see what he can do over a 30 game stretch before the team gives up on him.

Roden is the same for me. Thrived in AAA, but so far isn’t up to major league ball.

Larnach and Wallner are too much alike IMHO and the club will have to choose one and trade the other.

Zebby + Festa + Abel + Bradley is a wealth of rotation talent on the cusp. One or two to the bullpen?

Plus Sims.

[DocBauer]

1 minute ago, bunsen82 said:

Sands gets out of that inning with 0 runs or 1 run with a competent center fielder.  Buxton gets to that ball if he is playing.  

Sounds that way. I was at the movies so I can only speak to the box score, the OP, and in general about Sands' season thus far.

Thank you for the more complete information.

[bunsen82]

Kody Clemens is playing himself into our everyday 1st baseman. Solid defense, smart, and he continues to do enough with the bat and keep improving.  At this rate with starting, he has a real shot at 20 home runs. He has been a key cog in both of our wins.  
 

Matthews with a really nice outing.  The bullpen needs help still, but every single game this team has fought and the bats are beginning to show up. Keaschall looks like a legit player.  

[DocBauer]

15 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I’m afraid you’re right and he’s been unimpressive with the bat. I’d like to see what he can do over a 30 game stretch before the team gives up on him.

Roden is the same for me. Thrived in AAA, but so far isn’t up to major league ball.

Larnach and Wallner are too much alike IMHO and the club will have to choose one and trade the other.

Zebby + Festa + Abel + Bradley is a wealth of rotation talent on the cusp. One or two to the bullpen?

Going to mostly agree with you here. 

Martin is still young enough, athletic enough, that with continued hard work he still might be a solid OF. But he also can't succeed as a zero pop/power opposite field slap hitter. To be fair, despite good numbers at St Paul this season, he's barely played due to his hamstring issues. The next 2 months may determine if the Twins even bring him back for 2026. I'm crossing my fingers, but definitely not holding my breath. 

And as I've stated elsewhere, it's very possible that Fedko, Gonzalez, Olivar, and Rosario may simply overtake him very soon as much better bats who are probably no worse defensively. 

I also agree that Larnach and Wallner are pretty similar types, with Wallner...at least IMO...clearly the better overall ballplayer. But for NOW, Roden only has a little over a 100 PA, so we really don't know if or when his bat might translate to ML success. (Better speed and defense than Larnach). And Rodriguez and Jenkins aren't quite ready yet. So I still like Larnach as a LH DH and part time corner OF for NOW. I think I'd rather have him than Julien, but that also depends on IF Julien's recent re-surgence is real or not.

But like with Martin, it may not matter with better, younger players right behind them. And maybe Larnach gets traded in the offseason. But I also wouldn't mind seeing him back for 2026 as of NOW.

*I have very little faith that Outman is going to suddenly re-capture his 2023 form and be of any help for the Twins...still really hate that trade...so I didn't include him.

[Mike Sixel]

28 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I’m afraid you’re right and he’s been unimpressive with the bat. I’d like to see what he can do over a 30 game stretch before the team gives up on him.

Roden is the same for me. Thrived in AAA, but so far isn’t up to major league ball.

Larnach and Wallner are too much alike IMHO and the club will have to choose one and trade the other.

Zebby + Festa + Abel + Bradley is a wealth of rotation talent on the cusp. One or two to the bullpen?

Wallner>>>>>>>>Larnach as a hitter. Somehow Larnach is going to hit more than 20 hrs, and still put up zero fWAR. It's kind of uncanny.

Martin is not a ML OF. Sigh. I will always wonder how things would have been if they had not had him play SS so much, when it was 100% certain he never would (Winokur is the newest example of this). 

I really didn't think Clemens could keep this up, but I'm becoming a believer. 

There were 4 or 5 legit ML players in the field for MN, which still isn't enough. 

[mark sills]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

Matthews, very encouraging. 

Wallner putting together much better ABs for weeks now.

Keaschall.

Nice.

Mathews earned run was a error not sure how they scored that a double

 

[Parfigliano]

30 minutes ago, bunsen82 said:

Sands gets out of that inning with 0 runs or 1 run with a competent center fielder.  Buxton gets to that ball if he is playing.  

Buxton in CF and TC has a shutout.  Martins dropped flyball and misplayed flyball caused all DETs runs.

[Aggies7]

Alcala DFA by the Red Sox 

[mnfireman]

23 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Wallner>>>>>>>>Larnach as a hitter. Somehow Larnach is going to hit more than 20 hrs, and still put up zero fWAR. It's kind of uncanny. 

DH's get little to no love when it comes to WAR, especially fWAR,,,

[Nshore]

19 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Buxton in CF and TC has a shutout.  Martins dropped flyball and misplayed flyball caused all DETs runs.

I still can't help but root for him though.  Maybe he's rusty from being out so long.  He could be part of a new Twins theme for the last 2 months : bite, scratch, claw, bunt, and steal.

[RpR]

[RpR]

Wow, wow, only 2 strike outs. both by Jeffers, but he already did his part.

[TheLeviathan]

Martin's ability to both look incredibly athletic at times and beer league softball athletic at others gives me serious cognitive dissonance.

[Yoke]

It will be good to get some of these guys 2 months of ABs to see if they can produce and stick, or if they just don’t have it.

 

Brooks Lee had a couple really strong plays at short, too. Fired a couple balls across the diamond.

[Wedman13]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

I’m afraid you’re right and he’s been unimpressive with the bat. I’d like to see what he can do over a 30 game stretch before the team gives up on him.

Roden is the same for me. Thrived in AAA, but so far isn’t up to major league ball.

Larnach and Wallner are too much alike IMHO and the club will have to choose one and trade the other.

Zebby + Festa + Abel + Bradley is a wealth of rotation talent on the cusp. One or two to the bullpen?

So reactionary it's laughable.

[Schmoeman5]

59 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Wallner>>>>>>>>Larnach as a hitter. Somehow Larnach is going to hit more than 20 hrs, and still put up zero fWAR. It's kind of uncanny.

Martin is not a ML OF. Sigh. I will always wonder how things would have been if they had not had him play SS so much, when it was 100% certain he never would (Winokur is the newest example of this). 

I really didn't think Clemens could keep this up, but I'm becoming a believer. 

There were 4 or 5 legit ML players in the field for MN, which still isn't enough. 

 Yeah right.The manager is great though

[knothole61]

How sweet it is!

Love Zebby, and he looks a lot like the kid who ran out from the Skelly station in 1958 with a rag flying from his pocket to "fill-er-up" and check the tires and oil. No, he really does!

[Bracky]

Really never anticipated that when we traded for Clemens he would end up being one of my favorite Twins players this year. 

 

[mikelink45]

All we can ask is for energy and some fun in the games that are left.  This was a good one, but it also showed why CF is so important and Martin is not the answer there.