The decimated Twins. Quite literally
The Twins sold everything, the Guardians sold Shane Bieber. Now two teams who have bounced around .500 all 2025 meet as the month of August beings.
The Guardians are with a -29 run differential, 26th in team wRC+ at 88, 11th in baserunning runs above average at 2.5, fifth in Defense at 5.8, 22nd in starting pitcher FIP at 4.41, and ninth* in bullpen FIP at 3.73
*this number featured prominent closer Emmanuel Clase who is now on leave during a betting investigation.
The Twins are 51-57 with a -33 run differential, 19th in team wRC+ at 98, 28th in baserunning runs above average at -5.9, 22nd in Defense at -21.1, 14th in starting pitcher FIP at 4.05, and fourth**** in bullpen FIP at 3.59.
***this number included about half the bullpen which Minnesota just traded away yesterday, along with half their starting lineup.
Matchups:
Friday, 7:10PM EDT: Joe Ryan, RHP 3.09 FIP vs. Gavin Williams, RHP, 4.47 FIP
Saturday, 4:10PM EDT: TBD (probably Bailey Ober, RHP, 5.30 FIP) vs. Tanner Bibee, RHP 4.57 FIP
Sunday, 1:40PM EDT: Simeon Woods-Richardson, RHP 5.30 FIP vs. Joey Cantillo, LHP 3.74 FIP
The Guardians are led by Jose Ramirez 141 wRC+, Kyle Manzardo 115 wRC+ and STEVEN “I’M STILL BLEEPING HERE” KWAN at 113 wRC+.
The Twins are led by Kody Clemens 117 wRC+, Matt Wallner 112 wRC+, and Ryan Jeffers 110 wRC+ and a LOT of new faces.
Let’s hope the boys respond to being able to retain all their current active roster at the deadline with a series win, or better!