Twins vs Rangers Preview: Battle of Pitched Steel

Byron Buxton is locked in for Minnesota. He's hitting .366 with four home runs. That's serious damage in the middle of the lineup. The Twins are 32-40, but Buxton gives them hope every single night. He's a Gold Glove center fielder who can steal bases and drive the ball into the gap. Texas is 34-36 at home, so this is a winnable game. When Buxton steps to the plate, you feel like something exciting is about to happen. The Rangers defense better be ready. This guy makes it rain.

Here's the problem for the Twins: Bailey Ober is out. He's got a mild flexor strain and won't pitch for two weeks. That leaves Minnesota's rotation shaky. They built their staff around steady starters who keep things together, but losing Ober hurts. Joe Ryan is still their top pitcher, but the team needs everyone healthy to compete in June. Cole Sands is also down with a forearm strain. The bullpen is dealing with injuries too. Texas has MacKenzie Gore ready to roll for this game. Gore is a 2025 All-Star with a 3.56 ERA. Minnesota needs a quick fix.

Both teams need wins right now. Minnesota is 32-40 overall and stuck in a tough stretch. Texas is 34-36 and just lost two straight games. Neither team is dominating, which means this game is totally up for grabs. The Twins have the speed and defense in Buxton. The Rangers have experience in their rotation. Luke Keaschall is trying to prove himself as a young second baseman for Minnesota. This is the kind of game where one player can change everything. One big hit. One great defensive play. That's how you climb out of a hole in June.