Twins Face Yankees in Bronx Showdown With Judge Returning From Injury
First Pitch: 6:40 PM CT | TV: Twins.TV | Radio: TIBN/830 WCCO/102.9 The Wolf / Audacy App
Matchup Overview
The Minnesota Twins travel to the Bronx for a clash with the New York Yankees, a franchise that has historically tormented Minnesota. However, the current Twins roster features a youthful core largely unfamiliar with that playoff futility. The storyline shifts dramatically with the return of back-to-back MVP Aaron Judge, who rejoins the Yankees lineup after missing over four months.
Judge Returns Without Rehab Assignment
New York opted to activate Judge directly to the major league roster, bypassing a minor league rehab assignment. While the slugger is still rounding into form, his presence alone alters the series dynamic. The Yankees lineup remains formidable even with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined for 90% of the season and recent injured list placements for Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham.
Cody Bellinger provides steady production, while Ben Rice and midseason acquisition Luis Garcia Jr. have each surpassed 30 home runs. New York also boasts an exciting rookie duo: shortstop George Lombard Jr. and center fielder Spencer Jones, whose combination of power and speed draws comparisons to Matt Wallner with added athleticism.
Dean Kremer Seeks Consistency in Series Opener
Right-hander Dean Kremer takes the mound for Minnesota, tasked with providing length after the bullpen-heavy effort in the previous game. Since joining the Twins, Kremer’s home run rate has normalized as anticipated, though his strikeout rate has declined while his walk rate has increased, leaving the overall results somewhat underwhelming.
Kremer is not considered a non-tender candidate this offseason. However, with Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Kremer all reaching free agency after 2027, the front office led by Jeremy Zoll will likely pursue long-term rotation stability. A strong finish to the campaign would significantly improve the 2025 outlook.
Injury Updates Cloud Twins Outlook
- Trevor Larnach was scratched from the initial lineup after sustaining a pre-game wrist injury. He is undergoing imaging, and any missed time would end his season and potentially his tenure with the organization.
- Kaelen Culpepper remains sidelined after being hit by a pitch on Saturday. Manager Derek Shelton expressed optimism about a potential return tomorrow.
- Royce Lewis also remains out after departing yesterday’s game with shoulder discomfort. His absence raises questions about his future with the club.
Starting Lineups
Minnesota Twins
SP: Dean Kremer
- Luke Keaschall, RF
- Brooks Lee, 3B
- Kody Clemens, 2B
- Ryan Jeffers, C
- Josh Bell, DH
- Emmanuel Rodriguez, LF
- Victor Caratini, 1B
- Ryan Kreidler, SS
- Walker Jenkins, CF
New York Yankees
SP: Will Warren
- Ben Rice, DH
- Cody Bellinger, LF
- Aaron Judge, RF
- Luis Garcia Jr., 1B
- Spencer Jones, CF
- George Lombard Jr., SS
- Ryan McMahon, 3B
- Austin Wells, C
- Jose Caballero, 2B
