The lackluster Minnesota Twins offense has delayed this team from running away with the AL Central. They have spent 62 days in first place, and have only been in second for one day. However, with their recent lack of hitting and scoring, runs they have allowed the teams in their division to hang around.
Since May
The Twins’ offense has been underwhelming since the start of the 2023 season. But they are one of the worst-hitting teams in baseball since May 1. Their strikeouts are up almost 27% since that time. This team is on pace to break the all-time Twins record for most times striking out in a season, and could be close to the all-time MLB season record.
The Twins are also hitting less than .240 with runners in scoring position, and with two outs it is around .230. They have scored two or fewer runs in 25 of their 65 games, and are 4–21 in those games. Their team batting average is in the bottom-five at .229 and their top hitter, Donovan Solano, is hitting only .269. They are the only team leading a division without a .300, or even a .280 hitter.
Carlos Correa
The lackluster Minnesota Twins offense can be attributed to many hitters, but Carlos Correa is off to the worst start of his career. He is hitting just .212, and is hitting less than .150 with runners in scoring position. He is pressing at the plate, and swinging at pitches out of the strike zone. Correa is used to hearing the “boo birds” on the road, but he is now hearing it from Twins fans at Target Field.
Other Players
Max Kepler, Trevor Larnach, and Christian Vazquez are also struggling with all them off to the worst averages. They have the lowest slugging percentage, and on-base percentage of their careers. Royce Lewis, who sustained a season-ending ACL tear his rookie season last year after just 12 games, returned to the lineup. In his first game back, he finished 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and four RBI, but has since cooled off.
Will the Offense Return
The Twins offense has been headed in the wrong direction for over a month. Now they will have to try to reverse this fashion. The question is whether the offense can, and will return. It’s going to take an improvement in their approach from everyone in their lineup team-wide. The players must change their mentality at the plate. They need to fight off more pitches and become more selective at the plate, which hopefully will bring the strikeouts down. It is easier said than done, but the little things in baseball can make a big difference with hitting.
Byron Buxton
Byron Buxton, the team leader who makes this team go, is once again is on the IL. The five-tool player must find way to stay healthy. He has played mostly at DH this season and although the power has been there, his .220 batting average must improve. He must find a way to get on base, and use his speed to create havoc on the bases.
Pitching a Bright Spot
The Twins’ starting pitching has significantly improved from last year. Currently the team has the second-best overall pitching staff in baseball. That pitching is what has carried the team to first place. Starters Sonny Gray and Joe Ryan have been consistent with their starts and even though it is not the start to the season he wanted, Pablo Lopez has pitched better. In his last three games, he has won two and lowered his ERA a full run.
Team Effort
The key for this Twins offense the rest of the season is to hit with runners in scoring position. They also need to cut down on the strikeouts, and be better at base running. They certainly have an advantage from playing in a weak division, but what the team needs to remember is to not play down to the quality of the division. In order to win, they need to keep improving. If they can get more from their lineup, and the pitching stays at the top, they should be able to not only stay in contention, but to win the division.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
- Category
-
Minnesota Twins
