The primary matchup of the Crimson Sox and Twins, in Minnesota, was memorable for 2 issues: Garrett Crochet getting hit so laborious he’d ultimately land on the IL, and the massive breakout (of 2026) for Connelly Early. As they flew house to host the Tigers, the Crimson Sox stood at a 7-11 file, the alternative of the Twins at 11-7. Boston would then go 15-20 whereas Minnesota would submit a 12-20 file. It’s laborious to say the Sox are the “scorching” staff however they’re 12-10 since Chad Tracy changed Alex Cora, which seems to be higher. How a lot distinction any of the teaching adjustments truly made is unclear. Maybe unknowable. Was Jarren Duran actually a .500 OPS man? Most likely not! Might Alex Cora “repair” him? Nicely if he might it was going to take a couple of weeks as a result of we’re nonetheless barely into the upswing, ought to it proceed.
Minnesota is helped by the sturdy begin, a rejuvenated Byron Buxton, and being within the AL Central. As of Thursday Could twenty first the Twins had been simply 6.0 video games out of first and 1.5 video games out of a Wild Card. The Crimson Sox sit 11 again of the primary place Rays, although are simply 2.0 away from a Wild Card spot. Even the Chicago White Sox (25-24) and Texas Ranger (24-25) – the groups with the 2nd and third Wild Playing cards – aren’t working away with it. Boston stays a scorching week away from altering the narrative of 2026.
Rookie Connor Prielipp is the primary starter for the Twins this collection. Solely 5 begins into his main league profession, the 25-year-old southpaw was initially drafted by Boston within the thirty seventh spherical of the 2019 draft. He would determine to go to varsity and the Twins would take him within the 2nd spherical in 2022. He’s allowed 1 or 2 earned runs in every of his begins, though did permit an addition 3 unearned runs in opposition to Cleveland for a complete of 4 on the day. He’s battled accidents in school and the minors however works off a four-pitch combine lead by a min-90s fastball, a curveball, slider, and changeup. He’ll face Payton Tolle. What extra is there to say? Tolle is coming off 8.0 masterful innings in opposition to the Braves. He’s 5 begins into his 2026 call-up and has appeared dominant at occasions. Merely “excellent” at others.
Saturday is a blended bag of unknowns. That is probably a Brayan Bello begin for Boston. TBD…Complete Bello Destruction? Until they use an opener. I don’t know what that’s. Typical Bello Dazzlement? Bello’s ERA sits 7.16 in opposition to a FIP of 6.06.
The afternoon recreation on Sunday is the previous vets, granted Bailey Ober is six years youthful than Sonny Grey however he’s the veteran of this Twins workers. He’s having , wholesome 2026. Simply skip a begin in the past he tossed an 89 pitch shutout of the Miami Marlins. He’s not going to blow hitters away (17.2% strikeout fee) but additionally isn’t handing out free passes (7.3% BB fee). Hitters are slashing simply .208/.273/.368 agsint him and hitting the ball with a mean exit velocity of simply 86.5 miles per hour. The Nationals tagged him for six ru5 runs in Could and Boston bought 4 going through him in April through the collection at Goal Area, however these are the blemishes. Sonny Grey will must be on his recreation. With back-to-back 6.0 inning, 1-run begins he goals to do exactly that. In his two most up-to-date begins since coming off the IL, Grey has seemed extra like his previous self whereas putting out 6 and 9, respectively. Gray had bother in opposition to the Twins in April in a 4.0 inning, 5-run affair however each he and the Twins had been in other places again then.
Byron Buxton has 15 house runs and 4 steals this season. He’s stayed scorching since Boston final noticed him.
On the plus aspect for Boston, Ryan Jeffers is the one Twin to even have 7 homers and he simply hit the IL.
The proficient however typically injured and now slumping Royce Lewis was optioned to Triple A.
Kody Clemens has 4 homers and is hitting .240/.333/.421. With Friday additionally being a bobblehead of his dad possibly Rocket will probably be on the town for each events? He’s come to observe Kody at Fenway earlier than in spite of everything.
Josh Bell stole his first base since 2018 and has 1 on the yr. His profession excessive is 2 so, be careful.
Possible Pitching Matchups
Friday, Could 15: Connor Prielipp (2.88 ERA / 4.19 FIP) vs. Payton Tolle (2.05 ERA / 3.21 FIP)
Saturday, Could 16: TBD (— ERA / — FIP) vs. TBD (— ERA / — FIP)
Sunday, Could 17: Bailey Ober (3.63 ERA / 4.30 FIP) vs. Sonny Grey (2.93 ERA / 3.73 FIP)
Friday, Could 22: 7:10 PM ET on NESN
Saturday, Could 23: 4:10 PM ET on NESN
Sunday, Could 24: 1:35 PM ET on NESN
