The Minnesota Twins are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday as they kick off a three-game series in Tampa. Currently, the Twins are in the hunt for the third and final wild card spot in the American League, trailing both the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central standings. Meanwhile, the Rays find themselves outside the playoff picture but are still pushing to finish the season with a winning record. The pitching duel this evening features rookie right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson (5-3, 3.85) for the Twins squaring off against Zach Littell (5-8, 3.89) of the Rays. The first pitch is set for 6:50 pm EST.
Twins Rely on Rookie Woods Richardson
The Minnesota Twins step into Tampa Bay holding the coveted third wild card spot in the American League Playoffs. They are still vying for the top position in the AL Central, competing with the Royals to catch the leading Guardians. However, the Twins have faced challenges recently, losing four of their last five games leading up to their series finale against the Blue Jays on Sunday. In a nail-biting finish, they secured a 4-3 victory thanks to a pivotal three-run home run from Royce Lewis in the eighth inning.
The Twins have opted for rookie Simeon Woods Richardson to start in the series opener against Tampa. Woods Richardson boasts a record of 5-3 over 23 starts this season, including seven quality outings. With an ERA of 3.85 and a WHIP of 1.18, he has allowed 100 hits in 117 innings pitched. The rookie has issued 38 walks and registered 102 strikeouts while giving up 14 home runs. In his most recent start, he managed 4.2 innings, allowing three hits and four runs while striking out three in an eventual 8-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Key Injuries: Starting pitcher Joe Ryan, relief pitcher Kody Funderburk, and left fielder Alex Kiriloff are unavailable.
Rays Turn to Littell for Series Opener
The Tampa Bay Rays are facing the prospect of missing the playoffs for the upcoming season after making it to the postseason in the previous two years. Despite this, they remain competitive and are striving to finish the season with a winning record as September rolls in. The Rays split their recent series against the San Diego Padres, with a comeback attempt falling short at 4-3 in the series finale on Sunday after tying the game in the ninth inning.
For this series opener, the Rays will hand the ball to right-hander Zach Littell. Currently, he holds a 5-8 record with an ERA of 3.89 and a WHIP of 1.31 across 24 starts. He has achieved eight quality starts this season, permitting 144 hits over 129.2 innings pitched. Littell has walked 26 batters and struck out 116 while giving up 20 home runs. In his last outing, he pitched five innings in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Astros, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out three batters.
Key Injuries: Relief pitchers Jacob Waguespack and Pete Fairbanks, along with second baseman Richie Palacios, are sidelined.
Strategic Bets for Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The Twins remain in contention for the AL Central Division title, but they need to string together some wins and hope for favorable outcomes from teams above them. Woods Richardson has consistently exceeded expectations for a rookie starter this season, recording seven quality starts, allowing just 100 hits in 117 innings, and limiting home runs to 14 over 23 starts. The Twins have also triumphed in three of Woods Richardson’s last five starts. Conversely, Littell has surrendered 144 hits in 129.2 innings of work and has shown a tendency to pitch to contact, resulting in 20 home runs this season. The Rays have lost three of Littell’s last five starts as well. These patterns suggest that the Twins could maintain their momentum into Monday night.
