Twins Prepare for Six-Game Road Trip After Homestand Struggles

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – The Minnesota Twins embark on a six-game road trip following a disappointing 2-4 homestand. The team concluded their home games by losing two of three to the Texas Rangers.

The Twins, currently standing at 36-32, face a tough series against the Houston Astros, who are in the lead of the AL West with a record of 38-30. The series starts Friday at Daikin Park. The first game is set for 7:10 p.m. with Chris Paddack starting for the Twins against Astros’ Colton Gordon.

During their recent homestand, the Twins struggled against left-handed pitchers, evident in their 5-5 record against them this season. They will encounter two lefties in this upcoming series. Minnesota previously lost two out of three games against Houston back in April.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve recently reached a career milestone, surpassing 2,300 career hits, making him one of only two active players to achieve this feat, alongside Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Astros’ Hunter Brown, who boasts an impressive 1.82 ERA, will be a key player for Houston. He currently holds the second position in the AL for victories with eight. Although he has struggled against the Twins in past matchups, he will look to maintain his dominant form at home.

Prior to the road trip, Twins’ pitcher Michael Tonkin is on a rehab assignment with the Class AAA St. Paul Saints after recovering from a right shoulder strain. Meanwhile, two other pitchers, Zebby Matthews and Pablo López, remain sidelined due to injuries.

The Twins will next travel to Cincinnati for three games after the series against the Astros.