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Bobby Nightengale

Minnesota Twins reporter | Newsroom

Bobby Nightengale joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in May, 2023, after covering the Reds for the Cincinnati Enquirer for five years. He's a graduate of Bradley University.

Recent content from Bobby Nightengale
Cookies from The Cozy Cookie were on display during the Taste of the Twins event in early April that showcased new foods for the 2025 season at Target

If you love cookies like Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson, why not take a leap?

His idea: "For the amount of money we spend on cookies, let's just open up our own shop."
Royce Lewis was injured during spring training but is finally ready to make his season debut for the Twins.

Royce Lewis, Willi Castro activated; Edouard Julien sent to minors

The Twins made roster moves during Monday's off-day, and Lewis will make his season debut on Tuesday.
The Twins' Christian Vázquez, right, high-fives teammate Harrison Bader, left, after scoring a run during the seventh inning Sunday in Boston.

Twins rally in late innings to take series from Red Sox

The Twins scored two runs in the seventh and two runs in the eighth and held on for their second consecutive one-run victory at Boston.
Twins infielder Royce Lewis took a break during batting practice Feb. 14 in Fort Myers, Fla.

Lewis, Castro likely to rejoin Twins against Orioles

Twins infielders Royce Lewis and Willi Castro are expected to be activated from the injured list as soon as Tuesday.
The Twins' Kody Clemens celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning Saturday.

Twins defeat Red Sox on Clemens' home run with legendary dad in attendance

Minnesota ended a four-game losing streak when Kody Clemens turned up the power while father Roger Clemens watched.
“Despite our struggles right now, I still have a ton of belief in the group that’s in that room,” said Twins President Derek Falvey.

Falvey on the start to the Twins' season: 'Incredibly disappointing'

Officials chose not to tear up the roster after the 2024 collapse. Their winning percentage remains low. "We're all disappointed and trying to figure it out," the president said.
Twins second baseman Edouard Julien (47) loses control of the ball on a stolen base by Boston's David Hamilton during the fifth inning Friday night at

Twins keep it close until late-game horrors in 6-1 loss to Red Sox

Tied at a run apiece, the Twins allowed the Red Sox to take over Friday with two runs in the seventh inning and three more in the eighth.
Twins shortstop Brooks Lee says he feels more comfortable at the plate this season than he did in 2024.

'It's been different': Lee showing improvement as hitter in second season

Brooks Lee entered the Twins' series against the Red Sox with 11 hits in his past 31 at-bats.
The Twins' Harrison Bader, shown getting a hit Saturday, has been a boon in the field and at bat since being added to the team in the offseason.

Bader again impresses Twins teammates with his outfield defense

Playing center field, he made a diving catch in the seventh inning of the 5-0 win over the Angels on Sunday.
Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan takes on the Angels early on the way to seven scoreless innings Sunday at Target Field. He struck out 11.

Twins shut out Angels, starting with Ryan's seven strong innings

Minnesota pulled off a three-game sweep of Los Angeles and finished 5-1 on the homestand.
Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson acknowledges the cheering crowd Saturday as he is replaced in the sixth inning after striking out seven in a 5-1

Twins get going right away in victory over Angels

Minnesota opened the first inning with four consecutive hits and also got a strong start from Simeon Woods Richardson.
Twins pitcher Griffin Jax, shown during spring training, is back to success in relief, thanks to pitch location, he says.

Twins reliever looks like himself again after a rough stretch

Griffin Jax has struck out seven of the past 11 batters he's faced, thanks to improved pitch location, he said.
Twins right fielder Trevor Larnach (9) hits a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning during a game against the Chicago White Sox.

Larnach, Buxton power Twins win over White Sox

In a 6-3 victory at Target Field, the Twins overcame a season-high 13 runners left on base with homers by Trevor Larnach in the sixth inning and Byron Buxton in the seventh.
Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers makes contact against the Braves on Friday in Atlanta.

Twins change catcher timeshare, give more at-bats to Jeffers over Vázquez

The Twins want to give Ryan Jeffers more chances to boost the offense. Christian Vázquez has struggled.
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton catches a drive by the White Sox's Andrew Benintendi as the final out Tuesday.

Twins defeat White Sox, as usual. In the unusual category: Byron Buxton's play to end it

The center fielder sprinted 78 feet to make a diving catch with the tying run on base, and Minnesota defeated Chicago for the 13th time in a row at Target Field.
Twins starting pitcher Pablo López throws against the Royals on April 8, the last day he left injured.

López set to rejoin Twins rotation from injured list; Lewis close to rehab assignment

The Twins haven't announced which day their Opening Day starter will be activated from the 15-day IL, but he could be pitching as soon as Friday.
Twins infielders Mickey Gasper, Luke Keaschall and Edouard Julien during spring training on Feb. 17 in Fort Myers, Fla. Keaschall will be promoted to

Twins promoting top prospect Luke Keaschall to boost lineup amid injuries

The rookie second baseman gets a quick promotion from St. Paul after Matt Wallner goes on the injured list.
Mets outfielder Jesse Winker was tagged out at home by Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers during the second inning Wednesday at Target Field.

Twins blow three-run lead but beat Mets 4-3 in 10 innings

The Twins gave up a three-run lead Wednesday but salvaged a victory over the Mets on Ty France's 10th-inning single.
First base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was hit by a foul ball during the seventh inning Wednesday at Target Field.

Umpire Wendelstedt struck by line drive during Twins-Mets game

Veteran umpire Hunter Wendelstedt left the Twins-Mets game Wednesday after being struck by a line drive.
Twins first baseman Ty France tosses his bat after striking out in the second inning against the Mets at Target Field on Monday night.

Slumping offense, errors bite Twins, waste Ryan's start in loss to Mets

Joe Ryan struck out a season-high eight batters, but the Twins opened their three-game series against the Mets at Target Field with a 5-1 loss.
The Twins' Edouard Julien connects for a homer Sunday during Minnesota's 5-1 victory over Detroit at Target Field.



The Minnesota Twins hosted the D

Julien, moved to leadoff in Twins lineup, is showing growth as a hitter

Looking much better against offspeed pitches, Edouard Julien has made adjustments physically and mentally, manager Rocco Baldelli says.
The bleachers in left field are sparse in the ninth inning Monday, when a record-low Target Field crowd of 10,240 showed up to watch the Twins lose to

Twins draw smallest crowd in Target Field history during loss to Mets

The Twins announced a paid crowd of 10,240 on Monday. It was the first time the Twins drew fewer than 11,000 fans, excluding COVID-related limitations during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
The Royals' Drew Waters celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly hit by Bobby Witt Jr. during the sev

Royals slide past Twins, take three of four in early season series

Bailey Ober's solid start was spoiled when Kansas City rallied off Cole Sands to beat the Twins 3-2.
David Festa, shown warming up during Twins spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., is scheduled to start in Friday's series opener against Detroit, manag

Twins notes: Festa likely to start tomorrow as López leaves rotation

Byron Buxton is away from the team to take care of a personal matter.
Twins starter Joe Ryan gave up just two hits with no walks to lead his team to a 4-0 victory over the Royals on Wednesday night in Kansas City.

Ryan delivers gem as Twins blank Royals 4-0 to stop losing streak

Joe Ryan gave the Twins their strongest start of the season, permitting two baserunners across seven innings in a victory at Kansas City.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, April 8, 2025,

Twins say Pablo López likely headed for 15-day injured list

Placing ace Pablo López on IL could mean call-up for Zebby Matthews from St. Paul.
The Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. dives to score ahead of the throw to Twins catcher Christian Vazquez in the eighth inning Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium

Twins fall to Royals 2-1 after Pablo López leaves game with injury

The Twins lost starter Pablo López in the fifth inning, then suffered their eighth loss in 11 games this season.
Pablo López of the Twins threw a pitch in the first inning Tuesday night in Kansas City.

Twins' Pablo López exits start against Royals with injury

The righthander left in the fifth inning, accompanied by the team trainer.
Former Twins first baseman Alex Kirilloff, celebrating a home run last season, has found a new career in retirement as a real estate agent.

Former Twin Kirilloff starts new career path after retiring from baseball

Five months after Alex Kirilloff announced his surprise retirement from baseball, he shared he became a real estate agent in Fort Myers, Fla.
Pablo López makes his third start of the season for the Twins tonight.

Twins-Royals game preview: Willi Castro out of lineup for the first time this season

Pablo López gets the start against Royals lefthander Cole Ragans.
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton collides with the wall after being unable to track down Jonathan India's double to start Monday night's game at Kans

Baldelli ejected as Twins fall to 3-7 with loss to Royals

Simeon Woods Richardson pitched into the sixth inning but was called for a walk for a pitch clock violation, leading to a heated argument from his manager.
Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran throws during spring training at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 16. 




  ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzal

Twins closer Duran adds a new pitch to his arsenal: a sweeper

When Jhoan Duran struck out the Houston Astros' Jake Meyers in the eighth inning Sunday, it was a pitch two years in the making.
Three pitchers who have benefited from Twins teachings, from left, Randy Dobnak, David Festa and Travis Adams, hang out with infielder Jake Rucker in

An inside look: How the Twins built their pitching pipeline through the draft

The organization has spent nine years under Derek Falvey assembling a stable of pitchers by drafting them, then teaching them. That program is at a peak this season.
Twins spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., is a blur of players moving through the fields.

On the backfields at Twins spring training, these eight players stood out

If you can wait a couple of years, you probably will see these guys at Target Field.
Joe Ryan delivers toward home plate during the fourth inning Thursday during the 2025 home opener vs. the Astros.

Twins pitchers begin a turnaround after struggling with walks

The Twins had the third-lowest walk rate in the majors last year but a horrid start to 2025 with 17 issued walks in 32 innings. That trend has slowed, however.
The flyover during the national anthem precedes the Twins-Astros game Thursday at Target Field.

Read the replay: Live Blog from Target Field

Houston rallied to a 5-2 victory over the Twins.
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton dives to make a catch of a fly ball hit by the White Sox's Nick Maton during the first inning Wednesday in Chicago.

Twins wait out the rain, then hammer out a win over the White Sox

Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa got going, and Harrison Bader kept going. Pablo López set it all up with seven strong innings.
Cans and bottles of beer are among the adornments at the Bob Uecker statue in front of American Family Field in Milwaukee this week.

Provus honors the memory — and the home run call — of late mentor Uecker

The Twins broadcaster missed Wednesday's game to travel to Milwaukee for a celebration of a legend's life.
Trevor Larnach singles during the Twins' victory over the White Sox on Tuesday in Chicago.

Twins-White Sox game delayed three hours because of rain in Chicago

The finale of a three-game set at Rate Field was set to start at 1:10 p.m., but now will begin at 4:30.
The Twins' Harrison Bader, right, celebrates with Ryan Jeffers, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. and Byron Buxton after hitting a three-run home run during the nin

Twins bring an end to their 0-for-2025 beginning with one big inning against the White Sox

The sixth featured seven batters reaching in a row and provided all the runs needed for Minnesota's first victory of the season.
The Twins' Jose Miranda is called out on strikes during the ninth inning Monday.

Twins remain in bottom half of MLB in payroll despite slight bump from 2024

The team's Opening Day payroll, estimated at $144.3 million, ranked 18th in baseball.
Twins shortstop Carlos Correa signs an autograph before Monday's game in Chicago.

Simeon Woods Richardson starts tonight as Twins try for first victory of the season

The Twins have started 0-4 are are batting an MLB-low .143.
The Twins' Ty France throws his bat after being called out on strikes during the sixth inning against the White Sox on Monday in Chicago.

White Sox hold Twins to two hits, hit three homers and win 9-0

Former Twin Martín Pérez did not allow a hit to his former team through six innings.
Twins designated hitter Ryan Jeffers, using one of the so-called "torpedo bats," swings during the eighth inning Monday against the White Sox in Chica

Twins coach Amicone has history with 'torpedo bats'

He spent five seasons with the Yankees player development staff, which developed the bat that has caught major leaguers' attention.
Darren McCaughan will replace Randy Dobnak on the Twins roster today.

Twins call up Darren McCaughan, DFA Randy Dobnak before White Sox series

Dobnak had a strong outing on Sunday, and would be assigned to St. Paul if he clears waivers.
Righthanded reliever Randy Dobnak grabbed the final spot on the Twins Opening Day roster.

Randy Dobnak claims final spot on Twins' Opening Day roster

The 30-year-old righthander started 24 games for the St. Paul Saints last season.
Zebby Matthews turned heads this spring, but the righthander will open the season with the Class AAA Saints, with the expectation that he will show up

Which Twins prospects might we see at Target Field before summer's end?

The Twins used 32 pitchers and 21 position players last season, so depth is crucial.
Catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper, acquired in an offseason trade with Boston, has made the Twins' Opening Day roster.

Two surprises as Twins nearly finalize Opening Day roster

Mickey Gasper and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. were long shots to make the Opening Day Twins roster.
Twins want to compete for title of 'Best Bullpen In Baseball'

Twins want to compete for title of 'Best Bullpen In Baseball'

With Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax leading the way, the Twins might have baseball's best bullpen
Twins pitcher Brock Stewart will start the season on the 15-day injured list as he recovers from shoulder surgery and deals with a hamstring issue.

Twins reliever Stewart will begin the season on the injured list

The righthander, recovering from shoulder surgery and dealing with a sore hamstring, joins pitcher Michael Tonkin and third baseman Royce Lewis.
Twins infielder Brooks Lee is dealing with an injury that caused him to miss a spring training game Thursday.

Twins' Lee misses spring game because of back tightness

The infielder has a history of such injuries, and Rocco Baldelli said the team will "treat it in a day-to-day fashion."
Emmanuel Rodriguez at Twins spring training camp on Feb. 18 in Fort Myers, Fla.

A name to remember: Emmanuel Rodriguez is a jewel of the Twins farm system

The 22-year-old outfielder has been plagued by injuries but shows great promise with power and a keen eye.
The Twins' Jose Miranda waits to take infield at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 18.

Who will start for Twins at third base with Royce Lewis sidelined?

Brooks Lee, Jose Miranda and Willi Castro lead the list of candidates for an Opening Day spot.
Twins infielder Royce Lewis warms up Feb. 21 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla. Lewis exited Sunday’s spring training game because of a left ham

Twins' Lewis likely headed to IL after straining hamstring

The star third baseman pulled up early as he ran out a grounder against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.
Twins pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson will open the 2025 season as part of the major league rotation.

Twins finalize starting rotation after latest round of roster cuts

David Festa and Zebby Matthews will begin the season in the minor leagues, meaning Chris Paddack and Simeon Woods Richardson will open as part of the Twins rotation.
Twins pitcher Eiberson Castellano has a special situation as a Rule 5 draft pick: He must remain on the major league roster or be waived and offered b

Four Twins players, on the roster bubble, to watch as spring training winds down

Righthander Eiberson Castellano, second baseman Edouard Julien, outfielder Austin Martin and lefthander Kody Funderburk are fighting for spots.
Twins first baseman Ty France hits during live batting practice at Hammond Stadium. Spring training involves more at-bats and innings for players like

Practice into action: Spring training change driven by Baldelli has Twins hitters ramping up more quickly

Many players have had far more at-bats at this point than last year, and more than the rest of the Grapefruit League.
Twins pitcher Justin Topa, shown throwing live batting practice in mid-February, was back to pitching and felt good after resting his shoulder.

Twins' Topa returns to the mound after a shoulder scare

The reliever felt tightness in his previous appearance, but a week of caution had him feeling strong Wednesday.
Justin Topa pitches on the sidelines during the early part of Twins spring training in Fort Myers, Fla.

Righthanded Twins reliever Justin Topa exits spring outing because of right shoulder tightness

The veteran righthander threw only seven pitches against the Orioles before leaving the Grapefruit League contest.
Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers prepares for batting practice at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 20.

Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers seeks to improve his numbers this season

A victim of bad luck at times in 2024, Jeffers seeks to return to his form of 2023.
Cory Lewis throws in the bullpen during Twins spring training at Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 15.

Which Twins pitcher has the 'filthiest' pitch?

Catchers at training camp voted for a surprise winner.
Twins pitcher Justin Topa, a lifelong baseball card collector, finally got his own card in 2024.

Twins' Justin Topa, a lifelong card collector, chases his own baseball card

The righthander had been waiting to appear on cardboard since becoming a professional in 2013.
Twins third baseman Royce Lewis, with help from Michael Cuddyer and other coaches, is working hard to cut down on his throwing errors.

Twins' Lewis, working with Cuddyer and coaches, sees improvements at third base

He is looking to cut down on his throwing errors at a position he seldom played in the minor leagues.
Twins outfielder Matt Wallner is gaining experience batting leadoff in spring training, something new and different.

Matt Wallner, leadoff hitter? Outfielder with power is a leading candidate to serve there for Twins

Manager Rocco Baldelli has been sending him up first in spring training, "a concept in action."
Twins outfielder Trevor Larnach, expected to be the team's primary left fielder, works on his skills.

'Boring' batting practice helps Twins' Larnach find the best version of himself

Line drives to the opposite field, not loud shots toward the fence, form the starting point that served him well last season.
Edouard Julien will try to regain his rookie form after a disappointing 2024 for the Twins.

Twins infielder Edouard Julien knows if he hits, the rest takes care of itself

After a sophomore slump for the Twins, Edouard Julien is eager to turn the page. "I'm here and I'm hungry," he said.
Willi Castro takes infield at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla. Among Castro's spring training chores has been to practice fielding at first base, j

Twins' Castro happily learns to play first base, even if the team has no plan to use him there

It's one of only two positions he hasn't played in the past two seasons, but he'll be ready if needed.
Luke Keaschall, center, was Twins Minor League Player of the Year in 2024 despite suffering a torn ligament in his right elbow that he played through.

Twins top prospect Keaschall starred in minors despite torn elbow ligament

The Twins Minor League Player of the Year in 2024 said the injury made him swing at better pitches to avoid pain.
Jose Miranda doesn't know whether he'll be an infielder or designated hitter for the Twins, but he says he's not worried. Manager Rocco Baldelli says

Jose Miranda, primary position unknown, looking to earn regular role on Twins roster

Jose Miranda might end up as the primary DH for the Twins, as third and first base appear to be occupied.
Twins pitcher Zebby Matthews throws at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

Pitcher whose accuracy made him a rocket riser in the minors finally savors his success

It happened so fast for Zebby Matthews in 2024 that he pitched in the majors before he attended a major league training camp — and he only recently figured out how well he did.
David Festa warms up Thursday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Fla.

Twins starter David Festa expects new pitch to unlock next level in his development

After struggling to pitch righthanders inside last season, Festa has added a sinker to his repertoire.
Twins infielder Jose Miranda has been working out at both corners during spring training.

Observations from Twins camp: What stands out in full-squad workouts

We see … Jose Miranda at both infield corners, new guys Harrison Bader and Ty France slashing, Chris Paddack throwing hard and Pablo López doing "nasty" stuff.
A pitch challenge was displayed on the outdoor screen at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday, when the T

'I love this': Hitters get fired up as Twins practice challenging ball and strike calls

Major league teams will use a challenge system during spring training. It was popular Thursday.
The Twins' Austin Martin is focusing on playing the outfield in spring training.

Twins' Martin wants to go back to college, but not for education

He was at his athletic best when he was playing for Vanderbilt, where he became a high first-round draft pick.
Twins pitcher Travis Adams warms up at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla., on Tuesday.

Rookie Twins pitcher relives his spring training moment of heroism

Travis Adams helped rescue an older man from a burning house in March 2024. "There wasn't even a second thought," he said about the decision he made.