Twins Overcoming Early Struggles Against Lefties

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The Minnesota Twins have faced left-handed starting pitchers in over half of their games so far this season, an unusually high number. Despite historically struggling against lefties in recent years, the Twins have started to turn things around, winning 3 of their last 4 games against left-handed starters. As they prepare to face more southpaws this week, the Twins will look to build on their recent progress and maintain their surprising start in the AL Central.

Why it matters

The Twins' ability to hit left-handed pitching has been a weakness in recent seasons, so their early success against lefties has been a pleasant surprise and a key factor in their strong start. If the Twins can continue to solve left-handed pitching, it would give them a significant advantage over their divisional rivals.

The details

Through 16 games, the Twins have faced a left-handed starting pitcher 9 times, which is the most in MLB. This trend will continue this week as they host the Red Sox (Garrett Crochet, Connelly Early) and Reds (Brandon Williamson, Andrew Abbott). Last season, the Twins ranked near the bottom of the league in several key offensive categories against lefties, but they've started to turn things around, going 3-1 in their last 4 games against left-handed starters after losing 4 of their first 5.

• The Twins have faced a left-handed starting pitcher in 9 of their first 16 games.
• This week, the Twins will face 4 more left-handed starters - Garrett Crochet and Connelly Early of the Red Sox, and Brandon Williamson and Andrew Abbott of the Reds.

What’s next

The Twins will look to continue their success against left-handed pitching as they face a gauntlet of southpaws this week, including Garrett Crochet and Connelly Early of the Red Sox, and Brandon Williamson and Andrew Abbott of the Reds.