After the rough trip through San Diego, the Twins are back in a spot where they need to cash in. They open a series against the Athletics, the worst team in the American League, and this is the kind of matchup Minnesota has to take advantage of.
Monday’s starter for the Twins is right-hander Zebby Matthews, who has had a roller-coaster season in 2026. He enters the game 7-8 with a 5.12 ERA and 81 strikeouts, and one issue stands out heading into this start: he’s allowing 1.77 HR/9. That matters in Sacramento, a park that can give up the long ball.
The Athletics will counter with left-hander Jeffery Springs in the first of two lefties they plan to use against Minnesota in the series. Springs is 3-11 with a 6.02 ERA and 89 strikeouts, and he’s the kind of arm the Twins should be able to do damage against.
There is at least one small break for Minnesota. The Padres have already used closer Mason Miller on back-to-back days, which could keep him out of play today.
First pitch is set for 8:40 p.m. CT at Sutter Health Park.
Twins manager Derek Shelton said after the series in San Diego that he expected Ryan Kreidler to be in the lineup against a left-hander, and that’s exactly what happened. Kaelen Cullpepper also moved up in the order with Ryan Jeffers back after his off day.
The A’s lineup has taken plenty of hits from injuries, and Lawerence Butler is one of the few recognizable regulars left in it. Butler is hitting .220 with 11 home runs, both numbers sitting below his usual production.
Kody Clemens has had a rough August, but his at-bats have improved lately. What he still needs is power, and Matthews looks like a pitcher he can match up with there. In a small career sample, Clemens is 1-1 with an RBI.
At the top, Luke Keaschall has been giving the Twins a lift. Since moving into the leadoff spot last week, he’s been hot over his last seven games, hitting .345 with a home run and two RBIs. He’s been getting on base and helping set the tone, and he could do the same early against Springs.
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