Twins vs Astros Preview: Pitching Battle in Week 66

The Twins roll into Houston with Zebby Matthews taking the mound Tuesday. Minnesota's rotation leans on steady starters rather than one big star. Joe Ryan leads the way up top, with Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson providing solid depth. The bullpen has veteran Taylor Rogers closing games out. Right now, Minnesota sits at 40-45 overall with a 22-23 record away from home. They just won their last game and need consistency if they want to climb back into contention during this rebuilding push. Every start matters.

Houston has won two straight games and sits at 42-44 overall, with a 20-21 home record. The Astros are moving into a new pitching era without longtime ace Framber Valdez. Hunter Brown now anchors the rotation as the team's top starter. Peter Lambert gets the ball Tuesday. The bullpen stars Josh Hader, one of baseball's most dominant closers. When Hader is healthy, he locks down close games and gives Houston a major late-inning advantage. The Astros have been scorching hot lately, winning seven of their last ten games.

The Twins have several key players sidelined. Catcher Ryan Jeffers is working his way back from hand surgery and should return soon. Starter Bailey Ober is rehabbing an elbow injury but getting close to returning before the All-Star break. The Astros are dealing with their own injury list. Carlos Correa is out for the season with an ankle injury requiring surgery. Shortstop Nick Allen and first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. are both ramping up and could return very soon. Pitcher Cristian Javier looks ready to rejoin the rotation this weekend.