The Minnesota Twins are staying on the road after losing two of three games to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago this past weekend. The Twins (49-51) and Guardians (52-48) are scheduled to begin a four-game series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, at 5:40 p.m. CDT on Monday.
Minnesota is two games back of the red-hot Boston Red Sox (50-48), who have won 13 games in a row, for the third American League Wild Card spot. Additionally, the Twins are four games back of the Chicago White Sox (52-46) for first place in the American League Central.
Meanwhile, the Guardians are one game back of the White Sox in the American League Central standings and hold the second American League Wild Card spot with a one-game lead over the Red Sox. The Baltimore Orioles (49-51) and Seattle Mariners (50-50) are also in the Wild Card race, as Baltimore is two games back of the Red Sox while Seattle is one back.
Twins-Guardians series result could have major impact on trade deadline
The result of the Twins-Guardians series could have major trade deadline ramifications. The Twins have several attractive trade candidates, including Joe Ryan, Ryan Jeffers and Trevor Larnach. If the Twins win the series vs. Cleveland, or even just win half of the games, the odds of the club standing pat at the deadline or even improving the big-league roster through trades will be much higher than if they lose.
But if the Twins lose the series, there will be a much stronger chance that the team will sell at the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
If Minnesota wins the series, Cleveland may no longer be in a postseason spot. While most haven't viewed the Guardians as a team likely to sell at the deadline, a losing streak could easily flip that narrative.
Long story short, teams in the playoff mix should keep an eye on the Twins-Guardians series. It'll not only affect the AL Wild Card and Central standings, but likely the trade market as well.
Games 2 and 3 of the Minnesota-Cleveland series are scheduled to begin at 5:40 p.m. CDT on Tuesday and Wednesday. Game 4 is slated to start at 12:10 p.m. CDT.
Twins-Guardians pitching matchups
- Monday (5:40 p.m. CDT): MIN RHP Joe Ryan vs. CLE RHP Tanner Bibee
- Tuesday (5:40 p.m. CDT): TBD vs. CLE LHP Parker Messick
- Wednesday (5:40 p.m. CDT): MIN RHP Bailey Ober vs. CLE RHP Slade Cecconi
- Thursday (12:10 p.m. CDT): MIN RHP Taj Bradley vs. CLE RHP Gavin Williams
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