Recent content from Bobby Nightengale
Twins sweep Angels, extend winning streak to seven with 11-5 victory
The Twins offense has come alive with at least 10 hits in all seven games of the winning streak.
The secret to the Twins' newfound offensive success: a sausage in the dugout
The Twins needed a spark offensively after a slow start to the season, and the Rally Sausage was born.
Twins bash 17 hits in 16-5 victory over Angels, their sixth in a row
Carlos Santana, Ryan Jeffers and Max Kepler provided the loudest firepower, each smacking a home run in the Saturday night rout. Kyle Farmer reached base four times, scored twice and drove in two.
Santana warming back up at the plate after a rough start with Twins
The first baseman became the ninth active player with 1,000th career runs with a homer in the second inning Friday against the Angels.
Bear hugs, big smiles: Sanó reunites with former teammates after unlikely return to MLB
Two years ago, Miguel Sanó's baseball future was in doubt due to a lingering meniscus injury. Today he's in better shape than ever and flourishing with the Angels.
Win streak reaches five as Twins beat Angels 5-3 behind Ober's stellar outing
Bailey Ober didn't allow a hit through five innings and lasted into the eighth, matching the longest start of his career. It was a much-needed effort for the Twins.
Former Twins outfielder Hunter, now working with Angels, open to managing
After some time away from baseball, Torii Hunter's back with a desire to help pass wisdom along to younger players.
Kepler returns, Twins' offense comes alive in 7-0 win over White Sox
The Twins totaled 11 hits, matching a season high, and starter Chris Paddack struck out 10 batters over seven innings in his best start of the season.
Twins demote Varland, activate Kepler and call up reliever
Louie Varland compiled a 9.18 ERA through four outings, the second-highest ERA in the American League among pitchers who have pitched at least 15 innings.
Martin hits first career homer, doesn't show much excitement
The rookie didn't smile during his home run trot and spoke quietly about it afterward owing to another Twins loss. "I play for the Minnesota Twins, not the Minnesota Austin Martins, you know what I mean?
Varland rocked again in Twins loss. Is he finished as a starter?
Louie Varland walked three of the first five Detroit batters he faced and gave up a home run to the last one before being yanked in the third inning. His ERA jumped to more than one run per inning.
Twins' cold offense hot clubhouse topic after another loss
Several players were taking swings in the batting cages and discussing their problems at the plate to remedy their .195 team batting average — a franchise low through 20 games.
Twins even series with Tigers thanks to a series of sacrifice flies
Bailey Ober was magnificent in his second straight start against Detroit, but it took reliever Cole Sands stranding two runners in scoring position in the seventh inning and Matt Bowman leaving another runner on base in the eighth to secure a 4-3 victory.
Twins' Royce Lewis moving in 'right direction' with quad strain, but timeline to return remains unclear
Reliever Daniel Duarte will have season-ending elbow surgery, while Carlos Correa continues his recovery.
![Minnesota Twins pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) in the ninth inning Tuesday, August 15, 2023, Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NWLT5CNXGTRZA6KVTMIPSOG3KI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Twins closer Duran could begin rehab assignment next week
Jhoan Duran threw live batting practice for the first time since spring training on Friday.
Former Twins top draft pick Dave McCarty dead at 54
The No. 3 overall pick in the 1991 draft lasted 11 major league seasons with seven teams in all.
Twins lose 5-4 to Tigers as struggles mount late
Thielbar surrendered a two-out single, committed a throwing error on a pickoff attempt and gave up a go-ahead RBI single in the ninth for the Twins' fifth straight loss.
As baseball's elbow injuries rise, Twins pitchers understand the risks
Tommy John surgery is almost 'a rite of passage,' one Twins pitcher said. It can happen to anyone taking the mound, no matter the talent level or the amount of caution.
Twins top Dodgers 3-2 as Julien's homers give offense signs of life
The Twins got pitching and some clutch hits at the plate to end a four-game losing streak and salvage the series finale.
Okert navigates an interesting ninth inning for Twins
Lefthanded reliever Steven Okert got the save against the Dodgers on Wednesday despite having to get a final out twice.
Rookie Martin gets first two MLB hits, looks for more opportunities
When the Twins offense slumped during the 2023 season, they relied on rookies. Can Austin Martin fill that role this year?
Twins keep striking out as loss to Dodgers extends losing streak
The Twins struck out 15 times — 14 in seven innings against Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow — on another night of futility for their offense.
Twins get Tonkin from Mets, put Kepler on injured list
Michael Tonkin will be added to the bullpen after appearing in three games for New York this season. This is his second stint in Minnesota.
Ohtani generates more offense than entire Twins lineup in Dodgers win
The Twins got only three hits, nine of them after the fourth inning, and Shohei Ohtani had three extra-base hits to lead the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory.
Twins call up Miranda from St. Paul, put Duarte on injured list
The Twins promoted Jose Miranda from St. Paul after placing reliever Daniel Duarte on the 15-day injured list. Miranda will bat fifth in a revamped lineup vs. the Dodgers.
Twins lose eighth pitcher to injured list as depth gets early test
Daniel Duarte is shut down from throwing for at least three days because of a right triceps strain, while Brent Headrick, who could provide depth in the rotation or bullpen, was placed on the Class AAA injured list.
Twins' 2024 payroll drops into bottom third of major league teams
The Twins were one of nine teams that cut their payroll this season, trimming about $38 million from their 2023 record of $164 million.
Twins-Guardians series finale at Target Field postponed by rain
The teams will make the game up on Aug. 9 as part of a split doubleheader.
Thrifty Twins relish the challenge of facing big-spending Dodgers
Three-game series at Target Field will pit the Twins, who have struggled offensively thus far this season, against the star-studded Dodgers.
Meet 5 Twins relievers who took a long, twisting road to the majors
When the Twins assembled their bullpen during the offseason, they wanted it to feature experienced relievers who could handle a variety of roles. These five took unusual journeys to Minnesota.
Paddack battles through emotions in first start in nearly 2 years
Twins righthander Chris Paddack made his first MLB start since May 2022, in Wednesday's win. "I just went out there and enjoyed the moment, enjoyed the game," he said.
Turning on the power: Jeffers' three-run homer sends Twins past Brewers
Ryan Jeffers highlighted a five-run inning with his home run, which gave the Twins a winning road trip heading into today's home opener.
Often-injured Buxton almost taken down — by a racing bratwurst
The between-innings sausage race in Milwaukee almost claimed Twins center fielder Byron Buxton as a victim on Tuesday afternoon. Here's how it looked.
Cold bats, Varland's struggles send Twins to 3-2 loss in Milwaukee
The Twins managed three hits, none against the Brewers' bullpen, and Louie Varland's return to the starting rotation was not impressive.
Varland starting, Kepler back in lineup as Twins face Brewers
It's the home opener for the Brewers, who swept the Mets in New York over the weekend. Max Kepler is back in right field and batting cleanup.
Ranked: Who are the Twins' top 10 minor league prospects?
The list is headed by the Twins' two most recent first-round draft picks and bolstered by players at all levels of the minors. Three are still teenagers.
One more injury may decide one final spot on Twins' roster
Another Twins reliever suffered an injury this week that could put him on the injured list instead of the Opening Day roster in Kansas City.
Does Twins pitching staff have what's needed to replace Gray and Maeda?
Starting pitching carried the Twins to an AL Central title last year and their first postseason series win in two decades. Now comes the hard part — repeating their success with notable subtractions.
Twins starting rotation: Last season's stats, this season's outlook
The five guys who might hold the key to the success of the team this season.
Funderburk bouncing back after losing control of pitches
Despite struggles this spring, especially with control, Kody Funderburk will be one of two lefties in the Twins bullpen when the season starts Thursday.
Twins appear to get through another set of injury scares
After the Twins announced four pitchers will begin the season on the injured list, they received some good news, even as one of their top prospects was pulled early from Thursday's game.
'I wish I performed better.' Gallo replays tough season with Twins.
Joey Gallo went through a summer-long slump, the disappointment of not performing to his expectations and being left off the Twins playoff roster.
Twins' DeSclafani details elbow pain, braces for possible surgery
Twins pitcher Anthony DeSclafani says the pain in his elbow became "progressively worse" when he pitched a minor league game last weekend.
Varland hit hard, Alcala exits with trainer as Tigers smash Twins 12-3
Louie Varland made his first start since winning a spot in the Twins starting rotation. It was one of several things that didn't go well for Minnesota.
Varland wins spot in Twins rotation after teammate's injury
The Twins anticipated Louie Varland pitching important innings for them this season, but any uncertainty about the St. Paul native's role disappeared Monday.
Closer Duran sidelined by injury; DeSclafani likely to miss season
The Twins might have lost a member of the starting rotation for the entire year, and they'll be without two key members of their bullpen, including closer Jhoan Duran, to begin the season.
Buxton scratched as a precaution; Miranda, Larnach cut from roster
It was a precautionary move after Byron Buxton dove for a ball in a defensive drill. The Twins are off Tuesday, and manager Rocco Baldelli says there is a chance Buxton is back in the lineup Wednesday.
Twins' Staumont, at 30, defies odds of regaining fastball after surgery
The Twins, who are encouraging Josh Staumont to throw his slider more often, hope he can regain the form from earlier in his career with Kansas City.
Prospects lead Twins to 6-5 Grapefruit League victory over Rays
Jake Rucker, Misael Urbina, Keoni Cavaco and Brian O'Keefe each singled during a three-run eighth-inning rally
Kirilloff, Vázquez homer in Twins spring training loss to Red Sox
The Twins offense came alive with a five-run sixth inning against their Fort Myers rivals.
Lewis entering Twins season with rookie mindset
Royce Lewis gave the Twins a big boost last year with 15 home runs, but the third baseman is not taking anything for granted as he looks for his first full season in the major leagues.
At 19, the Twins' top prospect is crushing the ball and turning heads
Twins outfielder Walker Jenkins is off to an impressive start after being drafted fifth overall in 2023.
Healthy again, Alcala trying to prove he belongs in Twins' bullpen
As several relievers compete for the final spot or two in the bullpen, Jorge Alcala stands out with a high-end mix of pitches. Is that enough?
Twins tie with Cardinals, fall to Tampa Bay in split-squad games
Louie Varland, Matt Wallner impressed in Twins' split-squad doubleheader on Wednesday.
'He's a tank': Prospect Rodriguez showed strengths before being cut
Emmanuel Rodriguez was the youngest player in Twins camp, so there was no expectation he would break camp with the major league roster. Here's how he made a good impression on the coaching staff.
Ex pitcher Maeda not ready to call Twins rivals
Maeda still chats regularly with several of his former teammates, including Joe Ryan, Max Kepler and Edouard Julien via Instagram.
Maeda, Detroit hand Twins second straight shutout
Ex-Twin Kenta Maeda, who signed a two-year contract with the Tigers in November, allowed only three runners and struck out seven in four innings.
Twins' Lee turning heads on cusp of major leagues
Between rocketing his way up the minors and still having "pinch me" moments, Lee has learned to enjoy the process. His goal is coming, and soon.
Pain, pride. Buxton struggled last year, even when things looked good.
The Twins center fielder played through injuries that one Twins coach said would have sidelined 99% of players. The result was a subpar season that also gave Byron Buxton one of the highlights of his career.
Santana's first Twins homer among big hits Monday
Ryan Jeffers and Willi Castro also hit homers as the Twins won swept split-squad games Monday.
Twins' Opening Day roster already pretty much set — health permitting
Don't expect much drama on the final 3 1/2 weeks of spring training, as the Twins have a good idea of who'll be on the team for the opener, and who'll be an injury away from promotion.
Kepler bashes first home run of spring, Buxton gets two hits as Twins tie Rays
The teams finished the game after nine innings tied at 4-4.
Twins' David Festa adds muscle in attempt to add to innings
The top pitching prospect isn't looking for more velocity, although that would be a welcome side effect.
The return of Mr. Grand Slam: Lewis crushes first homer of spring
The Twins defeated the Red Sox in spring training action as Royce Lewis reminded everyone of how dangerous he can be with the bases loaded.
3 Twins pitchers — including Thielbar, DeSclafani — battling injuries
Caleb Thielbar is dealing with a strained hamstring and Anthony DeSclafini, one of the players acquired in the Jorge Polanco trade, threw his first batting practice session Friday.
Next leap for Twins leadoff hitter Julien? Learning to hit lefties.
There was just one weak point in Edouard Julien's stellar rookie campaign with the Twins — a difficulty hitting lefthanders that kept him out of the lineup. He spent all winter working on a fix.
Woods Richardson gets velocity up for Twins by dropping his arm down
Early signs from an overhauled delivery are good for Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson. In other notes around spring training, Royce Lewis and Kyle Farmer won the egg toss.
Twins finally land Margot in trade, after targeting him all offseason
Manuel Margot spent the past four seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays before being traded to the Dodgers this winter. He will provide the Twins with critical insurance behind center fielder Byron Buxton.
'Never seen anything like that': How Jax built his awe-inducing slider
Twins reliever Griffin Jax developed a new pitch that raised his profile in the Twins bullpen. This is the story of how and when it all came together.
Twins lose to Yankees as Miranda shows off recovery from injury
Jose Miranda is being limited to designated hitter for the first couple weeks of spring training after a rotator cuff procedure, but he looked good going against Nestor Cortes.
Amid offseason trade rumors, Farmer happily surprised he remains with Twins
The club's trade of Jorge Polanco created an opening for more playing time for Kyle Farmer, who batted .290 with two homers and 16 RBI in 114 at-bats against lefthanders last season.
Twins erase six-run deficit before losing first Grapefruit League game of spring
Twins starter Bailey Ober had his fastball in high gear but wanted to work on other pitches as well Sunday. The Twins lost 8-6 to the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park.
How to describe Pablo López in Twins camp? Sucí.
Even after a career year, the Twins keep finding new words for what López is serving up so far in Fort Myers.
Paddack throws a new pitch, Twins take spring opener over Gophers
Retiring Gophers head coach John Anderson threw the ceremonial first pitch and was honored with a donation to the University of Minnesota.
Projecting the locks — and surprises — on the Twins' Opening Day roster
Who will make the 26-man roster that goes to Kansas City for the season opener? Baseball writer Bobby Nightengale takes you through the team.
