While the AL Central as a whole was a collective dumpster fire in 2023, the Minnesota Twins finally separated themselves from that mess and secured the division title. The Twins have a well-known and often-discussed poor track record in the playoffs over the last two decades or so, but they look like they are playing some of their best baseball right now as winners of 7 of their last 10 games.
If you are going to peak, heading into October is the right time to do it.
With their playoff seed locked in, let's take a look at who Minnesota is likely to be up against in the postseason as well as break down their playoff schedule.
American League Division Series Schedule - Twins vs. Astros
After taking down Toronto in the first round of the playoffs, the Twins are set to take on the Houston Astros in the ALDS. Having to face the defending World Series champs is less than ideal, but this Astros team has looked pretty vulnerable on both sides of the ball in 2023 and Minnesota has played well against them this year while going 4-2 during the regular season.
Game | Date | Time | Opponent | Where to watch (TV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Game One | Saturday, October 7th (away) | 4:45 PM EST | Astros | FOX/FS1 |
Game Two | Sunday, October 8th (away) | 8:03 PM EST | Astros | FOX/FS1 |
Game Three | Tuesday, October 10th (home) | 4:07 PM EST | Astros | FOX/FS1 |
Game Four (if necessary) | Wednesday, October 11th (home) | TBD | Astros | FOX/FS1 |
Game Five (if necessary) | Friday, October 13th (away) | TBD | Astros | FOX/FS1 |
American League Wild Card Series Schedule (Updated October 5th)
Unfortunately for the Twins, their status as the division winner with the worst winning percentage in the American League means they have to play in the wild card round. The extra rest with a bye would have been nice, but it is worth mentioning that teams that had byes last season struggled in the division series and didn't look fresh.
One hopes that having to play a three game series at home turns out to be a blessing instead of a continuation of Minnesota's playoff woes.
Game | Date | Time | Opponent | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Game 1 | Tue. Oct. 3rd | 3:38pm CT | Twins 3, Blue Jays 1 - Final | ESPN |
Game 2 | Wed. Oct. 4th | 3:38pm CT | Twins 2, Blue Jays 0 - Final | ESPN |
Game 3 (If Neccessary) | Thur. Oct 5th | 3:38pm CT | Toronto Blue Jays | ESPN |
The Twins were up against a pretty spooky Blue Jays team in the wild card round, but managed to final put some of their postseason demons behind them with a convincing 2-0 series win thanks to some stellar pitching performances.
Twins Projected Playoff Rotation
The Twins haven't announced their specific postseason roster plans just yet (nor should they), they have been much more candid about their pitching plans for the wild card round than they usually are about, well, anything. Pablo Lopez and Sonny Gray will be starting the first two games of the series according to manager Rocco Baldelli and it sure looks like Joe Ryan would be the Game Three starter if the series goes the full three games.