Recent content from Bobby Nightengale
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Twins' Pablo López exits start against Royals with injury
The righthander left in the fifth inning, accompanied by the team trainer.
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.
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.
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](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZRBJIGN2YJEANPGD6NRJK475AU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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'
With Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax leading the way, the Twins might have baseball's best bullpen
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' 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."
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.
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' 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 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.
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.
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' 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.
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 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.
Which Twins pitcher has the 'filthiest' pitch?
Catchers at training camp voted for a surprise winner.
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' 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.
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."
'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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
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.
Amid a comeback born on TikTok, Twins pitcher aims for accuracy and a major league future
Alex Speas gained fame and regained his baseball career after he threw a viral pitch 97 mph while retired and coaching Little League.
With new hitting coaches, Twins set priorities for their offense
Twins players will likely receive more at-bats during spring training. During the season, they will be expected to take batting practice on the field much more often.
Projecting the Twins' Opening Day roster as spring workouts begin
The first full-squad workout is Monday for the Twins. Here's a look at which players might make the final cuts.
Twins aim to fix former top Dodgers prospect Cartaya
Catcher Diego Cartaya was rated as the Dodgers' No. 1 prospect in 2023 but then fell out of favor in the organization.
'He's going to play a lot': A new face arrives at Twins camp as the starting first baseman
Manager Rocco Baldelli is unfazed by last season's numbers for Ty France, the worst of his career, and France is executing a plan to improve.
Twins Rule 5 draftee embraces the roster challenge that comes with the label
The rules say Eiberson Castellano must stay in the big leagues or be offered back to the Phillies, quite a chance for a pitcher who has barely tasted Class AA.
Twins' Paddack finds confidence by moving out of his comfort zone
The righthander's statistics didn't satisfy him last season, and then he got injured. He blames his mental approach: "When you get comfortable in this game, the next guy is up."
'It's good for the game': Twins players accept Dodgers' offseason spending, embrace it as a challenge
The spree has led to criticism of the World Series champion and of Major League Baseball, but athletes say the market is working.
First base, rookie contributors: Nine questions facing the Twins in spring training
The Twins open camp hoping their pitching pipeline and new hitting coaches can make a difference.
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton wants to expand on steps taken in 2024
Buxton played more games than he had in seven seasons, but still was hit by the injury bug too often.
Granted a little more money to spend, Twins seek to fortify roster depth
As moves with Harrison Bader and Danny Coulombe became official, team President Derek Falvey said he'd been "greenlighted" by Joe Pohlad to "add a little bit here."
Twins clear roster space by trading outfielder Helman to St. Louis Cardinals
The team has agreed to terms with two free agents in the past two days.
Twins build outfield depth by signing free agent Harrison Bader
Veteran Mets, Cardinals player won a Gold Glove in 2021.
Twins to add first free agent of offseason, reuniting with Danny Coulombe
Coulombe returns after pitching effectively the past two seasons for Baltimore, but he's coming off elbow surgery.
Twins' top prospect welcomes high expectations after 'below average' season
Walker Jenkins, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 draft, gave himself harsh grades after one full year in the system.
Healthy after foot injuries, Correa stays upbeat about Twins despite payroll constraints
Recovery strategies ranging from walking barefoot to shockwave therapy have the shortstop confident: "I'm ready to go, full go."
Already designated the Twins' Opening Day starter, López says he's unbothered by trade rumors
The righthander's name comes up because teams see Minnesota lacks payroll flexibility, but he tries to pay little attention.
Twins expect pace of quiet offseason to pick up as spring training nears
With payroll constrained, trades look more likely than free agent signings.
Twins flip Dodgers prospect to begin international signing period
Teilon Serrano heads this year's crop of teenage additions.
