The Minnesota Twins and San Diego Padres are set to conclude their three-game interleague series on Wednesday at Petco Park in San Diego. Both teams are engaged in critical playoff races in their leagues, showcasing impressive performances since the All-Star Break. The matchup features Minnesota’s rookie right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson (4-3, 3.77 ERA) against San Diego’s knuckleballer Matt Waldron (7-10, 4.29 ERA). The game is scheduled to start at 6:40 PM EST.
Twins Turn to Woods Richardson for Key Game
The Minnesota Twins are experiencing a resurgence after a challenging start to the 2024 season, having recently closed the gap on the leading Cleveland Guardians. With less than 40 games remaining, they are poised to chase their second consecutive AL Central Division title. This past weekend, the Twins managed to disrupt the playoff aspirations of the defending World Series Champion Texas Rangers by securing two wins in a three-game series. However, they face a tough challenge against the red-hot Padres in San Diego, having lost the first two games of this series and finding themselves in a tie with the Kansas City Royals for the AL Central lead.
Woods Richardson has emerged as a crucial asset for the Twins during their playoff push, especially given the injuries that have plagued their pitching staff. With a record of 4-3 and a 3.77 ERA, he has shown resilience on the mound. Over 107.1 innings, he has surrendered only 93 hits, recorded 92 strikeouts, and issued 33 walks. In his most recent outing, he contributed to a 4-3 victory against the Rangers by allowing just two runs over five innings.
Key Injuries: SP Joe Ryan, SP Chris Paddock, RP Kody Funderburk, CF Byron Buxton, SS Carlos Correa, 3B Brooks Lee, and LF Alex Kiriloff are out.
Padres Ready to Capitalize with Waldron on the Mound
The San Diego Padres, much like the Twins, are making a strong push for a spot in the playoffs after overcoming a sluggish start to their season. Following a disappointing 2023, the Padres have restructured and are currently vying for not only a wildcard position but also a chance to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers for the top spot in the National League West. They have shown their determination by winning the first two games of the series against the Twins, with scores of 5-3 and 7-5, and are eyeing a series sweep on Wednesday.
Matt Waldron is slated to take the mound for the Padres in this decisive game. He has played a vital role in stabilizing the Padres’ rotation, particularly following significant injuries to key starters Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove. With a record of 7-10 over 25 starts, Waldron has notched 10 quality starts this season, allowing 125 hits across 138.1 innings while striking out 127 batters and walking just 39. In his last outing against the Rockies, he struggled, giving up seven runs over 5.2 innings in a 7-3 defeat.
Key Injuries: SP Yu Darvish, RP Nolan Watson, RP Wandy Peralta, and RF Fernando Tatis Jr. are out.
Best Bets for Minnesota Twins vs. San Diego Padres
For this matchup, betting on the Padres seems favorable as they aim to complete a series sweep against the Twins. Minnesota is concluding its road trip, which began in Cleveland, and fatigue may play a role in their performance on Wednesday. While Woods Richardson has pitched admirably, his tendency to exit games early raises concerns. The Twins have lost three of his last five starts. Conversely, Waldron’s ability to deliver quality outings gives the Padres an edge, as they have won four of his last five starts, with the exception of his recent loss in Colorado.
