Twins vs Astros Preview: Trading Blows in Week 66

The Astros took yesterday's battle 6-4. Yordan Alvarez crushed a grand slam in the fourth inning that changed everything. The Twins scored first with some early magic, but Houston's bats woke up fast. Victor Caratini and Harrison Bader both connected for Minnesota. Now these teams face off again on Thursday. The Twins are hungry to even things up. Houston sits at 43-45 while Minnesota is 41-46. Both teams need wins badly. Taj Bradley takes the mound for Minnesota. He's got a 4.25 ERA this season. This game matters for both squads fighting their way back into contention.

The Twins are without Byron Buxton in center field due to a right hip impingement. Ryan Jeffers, the starting catcher, is also sidelined. The Astros are dealing with their own problems. Jeremy Pena is on the injured list with a calf strain. Carlos Correa, their veteran shortstop, is done for the season after ankle surgery. Both rotations are banged up too. Houston's Cristian Javier might return soon from shoulder rehab. Minnesota's Bailey Ober is getting closer to coming back. These absences hurt both lineups. Healthy lineups could change this series completely. Right now, depth and staying power matter most.

Houston just said goodbye to ace Framber Valdez. Now Hunter Brown leads the Astros rotation. The team brought in Tatsuya Imai from Japan. They're hoping he adjusts quickly to Major League pitching. Minnesota's rotation relies on steady starters like Joe Ryan. Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson provide quality depth. The Twins don't have a superstar ace, but their pitchers stay reliable. Josh Hader remains Houston's dominant closer. Taylor Rogers closes for Minnesota. Both bullpens matter in tight games. Thursday's matchup is Taj Bradley versus Tatsuya Imai. This is a pitcher's duel waiting to happen.