Make it Official! Twins 4, Guardians 2: Bailey Continues to Dominate the Competition

Box Score
SP: Bailey Ober 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K (106 pitches, 70 strikes)
Home Runs: Carlos Santana(15), Ryan Jeffers(17)
Top 3 WPA: Bailey Ober (.301), Carlos Santana (.085), Griffin Jax (.074)

Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

Manny for MVP
Bailey Ober started Game 1 for the Minnesota Twins and made quick work of the Cleveland Guardians. Of course Rocco Baldelli’s team had yet to beat Stephen Vogt’s this year, and the rescheduled rainout would be a great place to change that. Manuel Margot led off, against a lefty, which basically means he’ll play like an All-Star. Stepping in against Joey Cantillo, Margot doubled. Byron Buxton moved him over and Royce Lewis cashed him in. Jose Miranda looked to extend the inning with a single to right center, but a big turn at first base got him thrown out.

Carlos Santana found lift-off against his former team in the second inning. He took Cantillo deep for his 15th home run of the season. The solo shot made it a 2-0 game early.

Bailey Dominates
Ryan Jeffers gave Bailey Ober some additional breathing room when he launched his 17th home run of the season in the fourth inning to make it 3-0 Twins. Minnesota needs to see their star catcher to rake once again and he has shown signs in recent weeks. Ober wrapped up his day going six innings, allowing just two hits, and no runs. He walked a pair and struck out nine. With a myriad of pitching issues currently in play, the start was a necessary one.

Brayan Rocchio drove in Andres Gimenez with a seventh inning home run, but that brought Cleveland to within just a single run. Kyle Farmer, who returned to the lineup following a stretch on the injured list, scored Max Kepler with a sacrifice fly in the bottom half to make it a 4-2 game.

After Griffin Jax worked his 18th hold of the season, Jhoan Duran came on and grabbed his 16th save while striking out the side.

Notes
The morning couldn’t have been busier with roster moves. Unfortunately Brock Stewart’s once minor shoulder injury now will require surgery. He is set to undergo that on Tuesday, and will miss the rest of the season. A 5-6 month rehab should have him back for spring training.

As expected, Joe Ryan is also going on the injured list with a grade 2 teres major strain. Brooks Lee will join him there. The news for Ryan is crushing as it likely takes him out for the regular season, if not ending his year. Kyle Farmer completed his rehab assignment with St. Paul and rejoined the roster, starting at second base in game one. Lee was originally announced as the game one starter at second base, so hopefully his injury is not serious.

Scott Blewett joins the roster and is back in the big leagues for the first time since 2021. He has a 3.66 ERA in more than 50 innings for the Saints this season. It is curious he was the addition to the bullpen rather than Justin Topa. The build up may still be a work in progress though.

With the injuries to the bullpen, Griffin Jax’s dominance becomes that much more imperative. He has been one of the best relievers in baseball for a while now. Given his pitch mix, there continues to be chatter about him moving back to the rotation, but that would be an offseason move if considered at all.

Remember that through both AL Central series the Twins are offering fee free tickets.

What’s Next?
Back to just a single game on Saturday, Simeon Woods Richardson gets the pearl for Minnesota. He will be opposed by Gavin Williams with the series on the line. Continued strong starts from the rookie are a must given the latest pitching injuries.

Postgame Interviews

Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet