Orioles Head to Minnesota for Crucial Three-Game Series Against Twins

The Big Picture: Why This Series Matters

IMPORTANT POINT: The Orioles are in a "must-win" situation. They’re chasing a Wild Card spot (a playoff ticket for teams that don’t win their division), and every game against direct competitors counts double.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• The Orioles avoided a sweep in Texas on Sunday, scoring 10 runs after wasting two great pitching performances earlier in the weekend
• They now travel to Minnesota to face the Twins
• Baltimore trails the Texas Rangers by 2 games in the Wild Card race
• They’re also behind Detroit, Minnesota, and Cleveland
• Translation: The Orioles can’t afford to lose games—especially to teams they’re chasing

Meet the Opponent: Minnesota Twins

Quick Twins Facts

• Recent form: 4-6 in their last 10 games
• Run differential: -35 (only 2 runs worse than Baltimore’s -33)
• Status: A "flawed team" trying to take advantage of a wide-open playoff race

Key Player Watch: Byron Buxton

• Team leader: 25 home runs
• Current status: On the Injured List (IL) since July 29 with a right hip impingement (hip joint pinching/irritation)
• Big question: Did this injury stop the Twins from trading him at the deadline?

Twins’ Deadline Moves (Trades Made July 30)

• Added to bullpen: Jeff Hoffman & A.J. Minter (relief pitchers)
• Added to rotation: Dean Kremer — a familiar face! He used to pitch for the Orioles

Game-by-Game Breakdown

Game 1: Monday, August 10 • 7:40 PM ET

What You Need to Know

• The Revenge Game: Dean Kremer was traded from Baltimore to Minnesota for 18-year-old prospect Jhomnardo Reyes
• Kremer missed lots of time with injury this year, struggled after returning
• But: He looked good in his Twins debut — 5 innings, 1 run vs. Kansas City
• Extra spice: Orioles batters faced ex-teammate Grayson Rodriguez last week. Now they get Kremer. Expect some friendly trash talk!
• Rogers’ mission: Get above .500 (more wins than losses) for first time since April 14
• Struggled in May, but spectacular last 2 months — just beat the Angels with 6 strong innings

Game 2: Tuesday, August 11 • 7:40 PM ET

What You Need to Know

• Young’s challenge: Bounce back after two rough outings
  • Allowed 4 earned runs vs. Phillies (July 31)
  • Didn’t finish 5 innings vs. Dodgers (last week)
• Ober’s streak: Two straight quality starts (6+ innings, 3 or fewer runs) vs. Kansas City
• Lineup note: Manager Craig Albernaz moved Jackson Holliday up in the batting order — he’ll likely stay there against three right-handed starters
• Opportunity alert: More chances for Colton Cowser (homered Sunday) and Dylan Beavers

Game 3: Wednesday, August 12 • 1:40 PM ET

What You Need to Know

• Baz’s frustration: Threw Baltimore’s first complete game of the season… and still lost (no run support)
• Signed a 5-year extension — pitching like he’s worth every penny
• Matthews’ rollercoaster:
  • Was demoted (optioned) when Twins got Kremer
  • Called back up due to another pitching injury
  • Last start: 6 runs allowed (only 3 earned)
  • Current issue: Blister on his foot — Twins think he’ll start Wednesday, but worth watching if he looks uncomfortable

Key Storylines to Watch

For the Orioles

1. Keep the bats alive — 10 runs Sunday was great, but can they do it consistently?
2. Support Shane Baz — he’s pitching great but has 11 losses because the offense disappears
3. Exploit right-handed pitching — with Holliday moved up, Cowser and Beavers should get more at-bats

For the Twins

1. Can Kremer keep it going against his old team?
2. Will Buxton return? (Probably not this series, but stay tuned)
3. Bullpen test — new arms Hoffman and Minter need to lock down late innings

Summary: What to Expect