Twins Open Series Against Guardians Amid Winning Streak

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Minnesota Twins begin their season series against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night, riding a wave of momentum after winning five out of their last six games.

Twins’ righthander Bailey Ober (2-1, 5.04 ERA) is set to take the mound against the Guardians’ Gavin Williams (2-1, 4.15) at 5:10 p.m. The series opener is part of a four-game matchup that includes games on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The Twins recently capped a successful homestand, finishing with a 5-1 record, which included a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels. This marked the team’s first series sweep of the season and their first back-to-back series wins since August 2024.

Currently holding a 12-16 record, the Twins are eager to improve their standings. Last season, they struggled against Cleveland, posting a 3-10 record in matchups, including a 1-6 record at Progressive Field. So far this season, they hold a 6-7 record against AL Central teams, having won only three of 13 road games.

The team is dealing with several injuries, notably outfielders Matt Wallner (hamstring), Willi Castro (oblique), and rookie Luke Keaschall (forearm fracture). However, infielder Royce Lewis, who has been sidelined due to a left hamstring strain since mid-March, is making progress in his rehab with the St. Paul Saints.

Cleveland comes into this series looking to bounce back after losing two of three games to the Boston Red Sox. Following a doubleheader split Saturday, the Guardians fell 13-3 in the series finale on Sunday. They are currently 12-6 in their last 18 games after an initial 3-6 start to the season.

This season, the Guardians have shown strength at home, boasting an 8-4 record at Progressive Field and a 7-2 mark against AL Central teams. Noteworthy players include outfielder Steven Kwan, hitting .346 with four home runs, and center fielder Angel Martínez, batting .360.

The matchup promises to be exciting as both teams vie for dominance in the AL Central.