Minnesota Twins: Why Labor Day Weekend is a Chance for Redemption

The Minnesota Twins have a chance to set themselves up in a great position with their series against the Tigers over Labor Day Weekend.

The Minnesota Twins haven’t exactly put the pressure on the division I was hoping for, starting off the second half with a 2-6 rough patch in the last 8 games. This was highlighted by a 3 game series sweep at the hands of the Detroit Tigers.

Not only did that sweep cost the Twins the division lead, but it also put the Tigers in the hunt for a wild card spot. This sets up the Twins for a key five-game rematch against the Tigers this weekend, a massive opportunity for both teams.

For the Twins specifically, it’s a chance to gain firm ground on a playoff spot. If they sweep the Tigers, the Twins would be well set in a Wild Card position and right back in the division title hunt. It would also put the Tigers nearly ten games back of a spot with less than 30 games to go.

If the Tigers were to take this series again, they would pull almost even with the Twins and push the Twins to the edge of the playoffs. This is a pretty important season for both teams, but the Twins got it started right.

The Twins swept the Tigers in the double-header yesterday, winning two close games by scores of 2-0 and 3-2. If the Twins win one or two of the next three games, they will have really taken command of their destiny going forward.

Of course, there are still issues. The ever challenging injury bug persists. Max Kepler is now the 10 day IL, joining an already injured Mitch Garver. Luis Arraez is still hampered by a sore knee. The returns of Josh Donaldson and Byron Buxton have been really encouraging and have helped with concerns, but there’s still so many worries.

On top of the injuries, the schedule down the stretch doesn’t get any easier for the Twins as the Central Division has proven to be quite competitive. The Twins have 12 games against the Cleveland, St. Louis, the Cubs, and the White Sox. That’s a tough stretch.

The hope is, that the Twins can take care of the Tigers and set themselves up well going forward, but nothing is guaranteed. The Twins will have to fight hard. Labor Day gives the team a chance to do just that.