In a game featuring a familiar Royce Lewis return-to-the-lineup homer, the Minnesota Twins saw Lewis make a big impact after his reinstatement from the injured list. However, the team fell short against the Detroit Tigers, losing 7-2 at Comerica Park on Saturday, potentially highlighting another area of need as the trade deadline approaches.
Lewis’ return from the IL on Friday is expected to be as impactful as any trade acquisition could be. He demonstrated his value by hitting a first-pitch slider from Tigers ace Tarik Skubal for a 402-foot home run to left-center, marking his 11th homer in only 26 games this season.
“Honestly, I was asking for him for a while,” Lewis said. “I knew he was going to be pitching. I was glad. I’m up for the challenge. I think to be the best, you have to beat the best, and he’s one of the better pitchers in this game.”
The Twins maintained a 2-1 lead for much of the game as Joe Ryan and Skubal traded zeroes. However, Tigers rookie Colt Keith catalyzed Detroit’s two-run surge in the sixth inning with an RBI triple and a sacrifice fly, followed by a two-run homer in the seventh as part of a four-run inning that secured the Tigers’ victory.
This loss has brought to light another trade deadline consideration for the Twins. The home run given up by left-hander Steven Okert, who has struggled recently, underscores the need for bullpen reinforcement. Okert has allowed nine earned runs in 8 1/3 innings across 12 outings since June 12, resulting in a 9.72 ERA.
“Nothing goes right,” Okert said. “If I have weak contact, they find holes. Then today, I give up the home run. It’s grindy. Try to stay positive, get through it. Seems like everybody else here is throwing great. Try to follow suit here. Just got to be better.”
With other left-handed options like Caleb Thielbar and the injured Kody Funderburk struggling, the Twins have relied heavily on Okert and right-handed options for left-handed matchups. Despite Okert’s issues, the Twins’ bullpen has held left-handed hitters to a .174/.255/.239 line this season.
Manager Rocco Baldelli remains optimistic about Okert’s potential. “When he throws the ball the way he can, the way he wants to throw the ball, he has what it takes to be effective,” Baldelli said. “I feel good about that.”
As the trade deadline approaches, the Twins must decide if they feel confident in their bullpen’s ability to handle left-handed hitters in critical situations. With seven relievers already traded since Thursday, the market for relief pitchers is active.
Despite Okert’s struggles, Twins relievers have held left-handed hitters to a 26.3% strikeout rate this season, fourth-best in MLB, and a .291 wOBA, ranking 10th-best. There is room for improvement, but the situation isn’t dire. The Twins have reliable relievers like Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Jorge Alcala, and Brock Stewart (when at full strength), with the potential to add Louie Varland and other starters to the bullpen.
While the Twins’ primary focus remains on starting pitchers, they will have plenty to consider in the coming days leading up to the trade deadline.
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