Reds vs. Twins: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 27: Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins talks with Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 27: Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins talks with Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
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Juan Minaya, #49 of the Minnesota Twins, walks to the dugout.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 28: Juan Minaya, #49 of the Minnesota Twins, walks to the dugout. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Pitching woes have crippled the Twins 2021 season.

For a team that has won consecutive division titles and made three playoff appearances in four seasons, the 2021 campaign has been a disappointment for the Minnesota Twins. Unfortunately, for Minnesota fans, the reasons are clearly visible.

Entering play today, the Twins’ 4.99 ERA is the second-worst mark in the American League. Right-hander Michael Pineda is the only member of the rotation with an ERA of less than 4.00. Matt Shoemaker posted a 7.28 ERA in 11 starts before mercifully being deployed to the bullpen. In addition, veteran southpaw J.A. Happ has compiled an unsightly 6.77 ERA in 19 starts. Ouch!

It could be a long couple of days at Great American Ballpark for Minnesota hurlers. The 154 round-trippers allowed by the Twins pitching staff are the most in the junior circuit. Cincinnati hit four bombs in two games at Target Field in June versus Minnesota pitching.

Even though the Twins give up a ton of home runs, they also hit them by the bunches. Their 153 long balls trail only the Toronto Blue Jays for American League supremacy in the home run category.

Minnesota currently has six players who have reached double digits in round-trippers, led by the 17 from first baseman Miguel Sano and 16 each from second baseman Jorge Polanco and third baseman Josh Donaldson.

Another Twin who poses a threat at the plate is catcher Mitch Garver. The 30-year-old backstop has gone deep 11 times in just 138 at-bats. Additionally, he’s compiled excellent .346 OBP and .543 slugging marks to compliment an impressive 145 OPS+ figure.

Schedule