The Minnesota Twins continue to struggle as their postseason hopes hang by a thread. In a recent outing at Progressive Field, the Twins blew a three-run lead, ultimately falling 4-3 to the Cleveland Guardians. Griffin Jax surrendered a game-winning two-run homer to Kyle Manzardo in the bottom of the eighth inning, adding another crushing defeat to the Twins' campaign.
A Spiraling Downturn
Over their last 27 games, the Twins have lost 18 times. This dismal performance has significantly impacted their standing in the AL wild-card race, shrinking their lead to just 1 1/2 games. As of September 5, FanGraphs had pegged the Twins' postseason odds at 95.4%, but this figure has now dwindled to 76.4%. The decline is a cause for concern as the team faces mounting pressure with every game.
Offensive Struggles
A significant factor in the Twins' recent woes has been their inability to score runs consistently. In 12 of their last 27 games, the team failed to score more than three runs. During this stretch, the Twins are batting .236 with a .296 on-base percentage and a .381 slugging percentage. When the bases are empty, the Twins' struggle is even more apparent, hitting just .272, which places them as the fourth worst in this scenario. Manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the need for improvement, stating, "If we're able to do what we need to do on the offensive end, we win, but we did not. We have to do better and we have to put nine innings together."
A Beleaguered Bullpen
The bullpen, initially a reliable asset, has also faltered. In their first 123 games, the bullpen maintained a 3.84 ERA and was tenth in the league in win probability added (plus-3.41). However, in the recent 27-game period, the bullpen's ERA has ballooned to 5.47, and their win probability added has plummeted to a league-worst minus-2.75. Griffin Jax summed up the situation poignantly: "It's pretty heartbreaking. We're kind of running on fumes as a staff."
Rotation Woes
The starting rotation hasn't fared much better. Over the last 27 games, it has posted a 6.07 ERA, averaging just 4.38 innings per start. This has compounded the pressure on the bullpen and made it difficult for the Twins to maintain leads late in games. The team has had the lead in the seventh inning or later in five of their last 18 losses, and were tied in the seventh inning or later on two other occasions.
Key Players and New Faces
Despite the grim statistics, there are glimmers of hope. Max Kepler is expected to return soon, offering a potential boost to the lineup. In a recent roster move, the Twins claimed lefty Cole Irvin off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Irvin, who posted a 4.86 ERA in 16 starts and nine relief appearances, could provide some much-needed depth. Derek Falvey elaborated on the decision: "He could be your prototypical swingman who can pitch out of the bullpen. We don't have a left-handed starter in the mix right now either. He just adds another guy that we think can help."
Crucial Stretch Ahead
The road ahead doesn't get any easier for the Twins. They've played 17 games in the last 18 days, a brutal schedule that undoubtedly contributes to their recent struggles. The Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners are both just two games behind the Twins in the standings, adding further urgency to their situation. Notably, the Twins hold crucial tiebreakers over both teams, a small advantage they will need to capitalize on down the stretch.
In terms of individual performances, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa have shown signs of life, going a combined 5 for 15 with two doubles and a homer this month. Yet, consistency remains a challenge for a team that must find a way to reverse their downward trajectory quickly.
Pablo López echoed the sentiment of urgency within the clubhouse: "Our margin of error keeps shrinking and shrinking. Now it's to the point where you've got to take it one day at a time, one pitch at a time, one at-bat at a time. Today will be a tough pill to swallow."
As the Twins navigate this critical juncture, their ability to "find themselves as a team," as Baldelli put it, will determine their fate. With the postseason on the line, every game, every pitch, and every at-bat takes on heightened significance. The clock is ticking for the Minnesota Twins to turn things around and keep their postseason dreams alive.