The Minnesota Twins head into the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians with a 13–18 record, eager to secure a split in what has been a frustratingly uneven four-game set at Progressive Field. Their lone win in the series—a resounding 11–1 rout—showed what this team is capable of when the bats are clicking and the pitching holds up, but it has been the exception rather than the rule in recent weeks. Despite possessing a roster that on paper can contend in the AL Central, the Twins have lacked cohesion, suffering from an offense that runs hot and cold and a defense that too often undermines good outings with avoidable errors. Their road struggles are well documented, with just four wins in 16 away games this season, and that lack of performance outside of Target Field has contributed to their current standing near the bottom of the division. Leading the offensive charge has been Byron Buxton, who remains the team’s most dangerous hitter, slashing powerfully and driving in a team-high 17 RBIs. However, Buxton’s impact has not consistently translated to wins, as others in the lineup have been inconsistent—Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis have battled through cold streaks and injuries, while the bottom half of the lineup hasn’t provided enough pressure on opposing pitchers. On the mound, the Twins will turn to Simeon Woods Richardson, whose 2–2 record and 4.07 ERA reflect flashes of potential tempered by inconsistency.

Woods Richardson has displayed solid command and a mature presence on the mound for a 23-year-old, but he’s still learning to navigate big-league lineups deep into games. He’ll need to be sharp against a Cleveland offense that, while not overwhelming, is disciplined and opportunistic—traits that can wear down young pitchers if they lose their edge in the middle innings. Minnesota’s bullpen has been tasked with carrying more innings than manager Rocco Baldelli would like, and the wear is beginning to show, particularly in tight games where a lack of command has turned slim leads into losses. Defensively, the Twins have committed 11 errors, and while that number isn’t catastrophic, many have come in high-leverage situations—eroding confidence and making every mistake feel bigger than it is. If the Twins hope to escape Cleveland with a win, they’ll need to play one of their cleanest games of the season: no mental mistakes, clutch situational hitting, and a solid six innings from Woods Richardson. The goal now isn’t just to win a game, but to regain footing in a division that’s starting to slip away early. With a difficult schedule looming and road performance continuing to be a glaring concern, Minnesota can’t afford to let another winnable series get away. A victory would not only even this set but provide a foundation to build some much-needed momentum as May begins—a month that could define whether the 2025 Twins are truly contenders or just another underachieving roster trying to find its form.