At Progressive Field, the Minnesota Twins experienced another heartbreaking defeat, falling 4-3 to the Cleveland Guardians after squandering a three-run lead. The game took a critical turn in the bottom of the eighth inning when Griffin Jax surrendered a game-winning two-run homer to Kyle Manzardo. This latest loss further darkens the Twins' outlook as their performance continues to nosedive.
The Twins have seen a significant slide, losing 18 of their last 27 games. This troubling trend has cut their lead in the race for the third AL wild-card spot to just 1 1/2 games. FanGraphs had estimated the Twins' postseason odds at a robust 95.4% as of September 5, but that figure has since dwindled to 76.4%, reflecting their recent struggles.
Offensive Woes Plague Twins
One of the major issues for the Twins during this period has been their anemic offense. In 12 of their last 27 games, they failed to score more than three runs. Their batting average during this slump stands at .236, with a .296 on-base percentage and a .381 slugging percentage. When the bases are empty, the Twins are particularly ineffective, hitting .272 and ranking among the worst in the league in this scenario.
Manager Rocco Baldelli has voiced his concerns over the team's offensive performance. "If we're able to do what we need to do on the offensive end, we win, but we did not. We have to do better and we have to put nine innings together," Baldelli said. His sentiments were echoed by outfielder Pablo López, who added, "Our margin of error keeps shrinking and shrinking. Now it's to the point where you've got to take it one day at a time, one pitch at a time, one at-bat at a time. Today will be a tough pill to swallow."
Struggles in the Bullpen and Rotation
The Twins' bullpen, which once maintained a respectable 3.84 ERA and was ranked tenth in the league in win probability added, has also faltered. In the recent 27-game stretch, the bullpen's ERA has ballooned to 5.47, with a league-worst minus-2.75 win probability added. The starting rotation hasn't fared much better, posting a 6.07 ERA and averaging just 4.38 innings per start during the same period.
"It's pretty heartbreaking. We're kind of running on fumes as a staff," said Jax, reflecting the overall sentiment within the pitching roster. The overtaxed bullpen and struggling rotation have contributed to several late-game collapses, with the Twins losing the lead in the seventh inning or later in five of their last 18 losses and being tied in the seventh inning or later on two other occasions.
Key Players and New Additions
In a bid to bolster their roster, the Twins have recently claimed lefty Cole Irvin off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Irvin, who posted a 4.86 ERA in 16 starts and nine relief appearances, is viewed as a versatile pitcher capable of filling multiple roles. "We were thinking, how do we lengthen out what we already have? He could be your prototypical swingman who can pitch out of the bullpen. We don't have a left-handed starter in the mix right now either. He just adds another guy that we think can help," said Derek Falvey, the Twins' President of Baseball Operations.
Positive news for the Twins comes in the form of Max Kepler's expected return, which could provide a much-needed spark to their lineup. Additionally, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa have shown some life at the plate this month, combining for five hits, including two doubles and a homer.
In a Tight Race
The race for the AL wild-card spot remains tight, with the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners just two games behind the Twins. However, the Twins hold crucial tiebreakers over both teams, which could prove pivotal in the season's final stretch. The Tigers have been particularly hot, going 23-10 in their last 33 games, adding extra pressure on the Twins to turn things around quickly.
"We have to find ourselves as a team. We've been looking over the last month as far as who we are and how we're going to do this," Baldelli said, encapsulating the team's predicament. The Twins have played 17 games in the last 18 days, a grueling schedule that has undoubtedly taken its toll. "We have to put nine innings together," Baldelli reiterated, underscoring the need for comprehensive team performance.
If the Twins are to secure their postseason berth, they must overcome their recent struggles and capitalize on their remaining games. The margin for error is slim, and as López aptly stated, it's time for the Twins to take it "one day at a time, one pitch at a time, one at-bat at a time."