Twins Struggle to Hit Lefties Early in Season

Reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and free agent target Framber Valdez pose big challenges for Minnesota's left-heavy lineup

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game broken down into overlapping planes of color, representing the complexities the Twins face against southpaw pitchers.The Twins' struggles against left-handed pitching expose the challenges of their left-heavy roster construction.Minnesota City Today

The Minnesota Twins have struggled mightily against left-handed pitching to start the 2026 season, hitting just .169 with 38 strikeouts in 124 at-bats against southpaws through their first nine games. With a left-heavy roster, the Twins are 1-4 in games started by lefties so far, and they'll face two of the American League's best lefties this week in Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez.

Why it matters

The Twins' inability to hit lefties has been an ongoing issue for the team in recent years, and it's exacerbated by their current roster construction. If they can't find a way to solve left-handed pitching, it could put them at a significant disadvantage in the AL Central race.

The details

Through their first nine games, the Twins have faced five left-handed starters, including Trevor Rogers, Kris Bubic, Noah Cameron, Cole Ragans, and Steven Matz. They'll see two more this week in Skubal and Valdez. Of their 13 position players, the Twins have five left-handed bats and three switch-hitters, leaving at least one lefty in the lineup at all times. Manager Derek Shelton acknowledged the team may need to re-evaluate their roster construction if the struggles against lefties continue.

  • Entering Monday, the Twins were hitting .169/.280/.250 against left-handed pitchers in 124 at-bats.
  • The Twins will face reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal on Tuesday and free agent target Framber Valdez on Wednesday.

The players

Derek Shelton

Manager of the Minnesota Twins.

Tarik Skubal

Reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner who is scheduled to start against the Twins on Tuesday.

Framber Valdez

Pitcher whom the Twins made a run at signing in free agency, and who is scheduled to start against them on Wednesday.

Luke Keaschall

Second baseman for the Minnesota Twins.

Matt Wallner

Twins position player who is typically one of the left-handed bats in their lineup.

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What they’re saying

“We knew coming in that we were a left-handed based team. We've been in every game with the exception of one. … If we're going to look at a sample size of nine games at any point during the season, then we're going to overplay a lot of things.”

— Derek Shelton, Manager

“I think we're going to turn it around and find a way to get some hits off lefties. I don't think we're just never going to hit a lefty. It's baseball. It comes in waves.”

— Luke Keaschall, Second Baseman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.