The Minnesota Twins arguably have the worst bullpen in MLB. As of Tuesday morning, Minnesota's relievers rank 29th among the 30 teams in ERA (5.54) and strikeout rate (17.9%), 23rd in walk rate (11.8%) and last in batting average against (.273). While Minnesota's relievers have struggled immensely this season, the team's starting rotation has been very good except for Simeon Woods Richardson, who has a 6.92 ERA over 39 innings in 2026. Unfortunately, Minnesota placed the team's best starting pitcher this year, righty Taj Bradley (2.87 ERA), on the IL with right pectoral inflammation on Saturday. It was a huge blow for Minnesota, especially since Mick Abel has been on the IL for about three weeks.
With the Twins' bullpen issues and brutal starting pitching injuries, the team desperately needs strong performances from the starters who aren't on the IL. Joe Ryan threw a gem on Saturday, allowing just one run over six innings en route to Minnesota winning 2-1 against Cleveland. The Twins followed Ryan's strong performance with a solid bullpen game, allowing four earned runs as Minnesota won the rubber match with Cleveland 5-4. Then, Bailey Ober had the best start of his career in the series opener against the Miami Marlins at Target Field on Tuesday.
Ober threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just two hits and no walks with seven strikeouts. It wasn't just any complete game, either. Ober threw a Maddux, which is a complete-game shutout on fewer than 100 pitches. Ober, who lowered his ERA to 3.46 with the outstanding performance, completed the game on just 89 pitches.
Bailey Ober's first career shutout is a Maddux! https://t.co/PNUK5USMEV pic.twitter.com/KVX7mam4df
— MLB (@MLB) May 13, 2026
Ober's dominating start continues strong season despite velocity drop
Before the season began, many Twins fans were concerned about Ober's noticeable drop in velocity. Ober's fastball averaged 91.7 mph in 2024, 90.3 mph in 2025, and 88.6 mph this year, the lowest in the majors. Despite his lowered velocity, Ober has easily been one of the bright spots for a Twins team with a losing record. By effectively locating his pitches and using his entire arsenal, Ober has had a strong season thus far.
Bailey Ober averaged 88.6 mph with the fastball.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 13, 2026
Key was his changeup, which generated nine swings and misses and six called strikes. Also got three swings and misses with his sweeper and finished with 14 overall in 89 pitches. #MNTwins
Ober's marvelous start was exactly what the Twins needed amid the bullpen struggles and starting pitching injuries. With the win, Ober improved to 4-2 on the season, and Minnesota's record moved to 19-23. The Twins currently trail the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians by 3 games and the last AL Wild Card spot by 1 game.
Game 2 of the Twins' three-game set with the Marlins is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. CST on Wednesday. Woods Richardson is slated to start for Minnesota, while righty Max Meyer is scheduled to start for the Marlins.
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