Nick Nelson

Yoshida's HR off Ober in the second was just the second allowed by Twins pitchers in their past six games, an impressive feat when one series is against the Astros and the other at Fenway Park. Twins pitchers have the 2nd-lowest HR rate allowed in the AL. Key to their success.

I wrote today at @twinsdaily about some of the less heralded role players who are making a case for roles with the team going forward: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/mi…

Justin Topa gave up 3 runs in 0.2 IP on Monday night. The rest of the Twins bullpen has allowed one run over 19.1 IP against the Astros and Red Sox, helping the Twins win 4 of 5. I don’t even know what to say. Just phenomenal.

I loved the way Caratini handled this

This Red Sox team has it all. Bad play, bad luck, bad vibes. A true mess.

Things getting spicy at Fenway today 🌶️

@PMHansen22 Heard that on the broadcast, and it makes sense, but I do think the overall point stands. He was benched for games in each of the past two series, and hit below 7th in the lineup last night for the first time since his MLB debut.

@NickNelsonMN I think him sitting today has more to do with getting hit in the wrist with a pitch in his last at bat last night.

Luke Keaschall: Benched in two of the last four games, batted 8th last night (lowest placement in lineup all year). We saw similar trends with Wallner and Lewis before they got demoted. Just saying. Dunno if we're near that point with Keasch but he's been very rough.

Twins rotation has overcome injuries and performed very consistently. Ranked 4th in the AL in ERA entering today's game, and Taj is back dealing again.

@Noah19191919 I'm bringing it up because he's on the bench again today despite that game

@NickNelsonMN Bringing this up after his game last night is weird

@AcheeRyan @Brian_0008 My read is that the Twins are very tired of seeing plays missed in the infield. Was a factor in sending Royce down, moving Lee to 3B, and now sitting Keaschall. I actually think Lee-Kreidler-Arcia-Clemens can be a pretty exceptional defensive IF.

@NickNelsonMN @Brian_0008 Yea, there has to be a defensive aspect to this. Despite the quality of contact, his hitting hasn’t been that bad to warrant a benching. Not like Arcia is some big bat

@Brian_0008 Very true, good points. One big difference though is that Keaschall is still a developing player, not a broken one. Important to remember he played only 28 games at Triple-A before coming up.

@NickNelsonMN Agree there is some ugly underlying stuff for him at the plate as the expected numbers are not good. But, I just think he's a slightly below average major league player right now where Wallner/Lewis were just unplayably bad.

@Brian_0008 Yeah he's been getting on base and the baserunning ability definitely helps. But quality of contact has been just horrible, and I do think the team is very displeased with his defense.

@NickNelsonMN He's nowhere close to Wallner/Lewis levels. Keaschall: Total RV of -1 (Batting: -4, Fielding: 0, Baserunning: +3) Lewis: Total RV of -9 (Batting: -7, Fielding: -2, Baserunning: 0) Wallner: Total RV of -13 (Batting: -8, Fielding: -5, Baserunning: 0)

First Buxton game in CF since returning from hip soreness. Kreidler at SS with Lee at 3B once again. First Arcia start, at 2B in place of Keaschall, who has a .625 OPS and committed his team-leading 5th error last night.

Hopping on @NSPFan1065 to chat Twins with @BPBroadcaster and @dec1511 in a few!

@SotaStickCo @FOX9 This looks bomb! 🔥

THROWIN’ GAS 🔥⚾️ We’re having fun with this year’s Fox 9 Town Ball Tour merch. We will be tasting and slinging the Throwin’ Gas Hot Sauce at each stop this Summer! See you there! @Fox9 x @SotaStickCo

These games against the Astros and Red Sox this week have been a good reminder that while the Twins have their problems… so do other teams. Teams with much higher payrolls and expectations.

Byron Buxton. So damn good.

Fascinating lineup tonight on multiple fronts

Channeling my inner Bob Casey doing PA for St Louis Park vs Waconia