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Why the Minnesota Twins have gone from Fine-Tuned to Leaking Oil

By Billy Porter

Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins celebrates hitting a solo home run as he rounds the bases against the Oakland Athletics during the seventh inning of the game on July 20, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Athletics defeated the Twins 5-4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins celebrates hitting a solo home run as he rounds the bases against the Oakland Athletics during the seventh inning of the game on July 20, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Athletics defeated the Twins 5-4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Twins were humming along and have suddenly hit a losing streak. Here’s what happened to cause them to start leaking oil.

In short, the Minnesota Twins went from red hot to sputtering in a span of 4 days. The team was on fire, winning six straight heading into their final game in Pittsburgh. The momentum was broke last Thursday when Taylor Rogers failed to save a series sweep against the flailing Pittsburgh Pirates.

A hard fought 3-2 L on Friday led to a shaky, pushed back start from Jake Odorizzi on Saturday for a 9-6 L, leading to a Sunday loss in which the Twins were pressing to score runs and again came up short 4-2. So what’s causing the oil leak…?

Minnesota Twins Cold Hitting

Ehire Adrianza, Miguel Sano and Mitch Garver are ice cold right now with Luis Arraez and Eddie Rosario just above freezing. That’s 55% of a starting line up hitting .233 or less. Josh Donaldson and his .182 average ended up on the IL after straining his calf.  For a team that relies on it’s power offense the hitting must pick up. These hitting woes are hopefully temporary but are agonizing to watch.

Minnesota Twins Starting Pitching

60% of the years projected rotation are dealing with injuries. Rich Hill and Homer Bailey have lived up to their arm problems history and are currently on the IL. Jake Odorizzi  is trying to make his way back from an early IL trip. Jose Berrios is still searching for his command, the Twins desperately need him to step up and and be that #1 pitcher they need. An unsettled starting rotation contributes to these types of losing streaks.

Other Oil Leaks

* The Twins only had a lead for 1 inning all weekend.

* With Devin Smeltzer and Lewis Thorpe forced into starts, Caleb Thielbar is the only left handed reliever behind Taylor Rogers

* Unfortunate fact on team speed, the Twins have only 2 stolen bases thus far, tied for last in the American League.

Minnesota Twins
Caleb Thielbar of the Minnesota Twins pitches during a summer camp workout at Target Field. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

Even with the 4 game skid the Twins are still clinging to a Division lead. The Twins are still in good position and there’s positives that can be taken from the weekend. A series win against the Brewers and a chance at revenge next weekend against the Royals can stop the leaks quickly.

Next. Minnesota Twins Sunday Wrap-Up: Cracks show in tough Third Week. dark

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