The Twins have hit a rough patch, losing 10 of their last 14 games. After being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in three games, the Twins began a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves, the top team in the NL East, at Target Field on Monday night. Minnesota will play another tough opponent after a day off on Thursday, as the club is slated to play the San Diego Padres in a three-game series at Petco Park this upcoming weekend.
Luckily, even though they have struggled lately and have a tough six games ahead of them, the Twins are still in the playoff race, sitting just 1 1/2 games back of the final American League Wild Card spot. Then after they complete their series with the Padres, the Twins will play a much easier opponent, the Athletics, in a three-game series at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California.
The Athletics have a 49-75 record and have lost six of their last 10 games. Making the Twins' upcoming series with the Athletics an even more favorable matchup, the Sacramento-based team just placed star outfielder Tyler Soderstrom on the 10-day injured list with a left hip impingement.
Soderstrom, 24, has had an outstanding season with the Athletics, posting 2.6 bWAR and a .245/.338/.472 slash line with 19 home runs, 27 doubles, three triples and 56 RBI across 109 games.
Even though the Athletics are one of the worst teams in the American League this year, they have a formidable offense when fully healthy. Unfortunately for them, Soderstrom joined a long list of star Athletics hitters on the IL.
Tyler Soderstrom joins long list of Athletics stars on IL
Old friend Brent Rooker, who hit 30+ home runs each season from 2023-25, has been on the injured list since June 12 and is expected to miss the rest of the year. Nick Kurts, arguably the best first baseman in baseball when healthy, could miss the rest of the season after suffering a thumb injury. Catcher Shea Langeliers, who has a strong .829 OPS this year, will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee.
Additionally, two of the Athletics' starting pitchers, Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs, are on the IL.
The reality is, the Twins are unlikely to win their next two series. The Braves have the third-best record in MLB (74-50), and the Padres (67-58) have won eight of their last 10 games. The Athletics series could be what gets the Twins back on track.
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