Twins Make Lineup Changes With Braves Sweep Within Reach

After a rough weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Minnesota Twins have flipped the script and taken control of their future yet again.

The Twins entered the series against the Atlanta Braves after being swept by the Phillies. There’s a saying: “It’s not what happens to you; it’s what you do about it.”

Well, Minnesota has responded and is doing something about their situation. They could have continued to drop in the standings, but they didn’t. They came back and won 4-2 on Monday and then took control again Tuesday with a 4-1 victory.

The Twins are now 62-65 and have moved into second place in the American League Central. They are still four games back of the first place Chicago White Sox.

On Wednesday, they have the opportunity to complete a sweep.

Josh Bell provided the biggest blow on Tuesday when he hit a two-run home run in the first inning. Ryan Jeffers added a two-run double in the eighth. Zebby Matthews worked 5.2 innings and held the Braves to one run.

Minnesota is trusting Taj Bradley to finish the job on Wednesday afternoon. He enters the game at 9-5 with a 3.98 ERA and 151 strikeouts.

Atlanta is countering with right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver. He is 0-0 with a 4.15 ERA and four strikeouts.

First pitch is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. CT at Target Field.

Minnesota Twins Starting Lineup

1. Luke Keaschall — RF
2. Byron Buxton — CF
3. Josh Bell — DH
4. Kody Clemens — 2B
5. Royce Lewis — 1B
6. Trevor Larnach — LF
7. Brooks Lee — 3B
8. Victor Caratini — C
9. Kaelen Culpepper — SS

Bradley will start on the mound.

Buxton is back in the starting lineup after beginning Tuesday’s game on the bench. He made an appearance in the eighth inning as a pinch hitter where he singled and scored on Jeffers’ two-run double.

Jeffers is getting a rest day while Caratini will be behind the plate.

3 Matchups to Watch