MLB Game Preview: New York Yankees (86-63) vs. Minnesota Twins (70-79)

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First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Probable starters: RHP Will Warren (Yankees, 10-6, 4.05 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 141 SO in 142.1 IP) vs. RHP Dean Kremer (Twins, 3-5, 5.65 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 69 SO in 71.2 IP)
TV: YES Network / Twins.TV (and streaming options such as Fubo)

This is Game 1 of a three-game series. The Yankees sit second in the AL East (magic number low for a playoff berth after recent wins) and own one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. The Twins are third in the AL Central and playing out the season.

Weather Forecast

Cooler and unsettled conditions expected. Temperature around 59–63°F at first pitch (high near 62°F), with showers and possible thunderstorms (high chance earlier in the day, decreasing but still present into the evening). South-southeast winds 10–15+ mph (gusts higher). Potential for delays or impact on playability; monitor updates closely as rain is a factor.

Injury Reports

Yankees

Trent Grisham (CF): 10-day IL (hamstring)

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B/INF): 10-day IL (thumb)

Fernando Cruz (RP): 15-day IL (elbow)

Ryan Weathers (SP): 15-day IL (forearm)

Longer-term (mostly 60-day): Giancarlo Stanton (calf), Clarke Schmidt (elbow), Kervin Castro (elbow). Aaron Judge is active but has been cold recently after returning from injury.

Twins

Byron Buxton (CF): 10-day IL (hip; season-ending surgery upcoming)

Royce Lewis (INF/1B): Day-to-day (shoulder)

Kaelen Culpepper (SS): Day-to-day (shoulder)

Longer-term (mostly 60-day): Mick Abel, Mike Paredes, Anthony Banda, Cole Sands, and others.

Both teams are missing key contributors, particularly in the outfield and bullpen/rotation depth.

Current Rosters / Projected Approaches

Yankees: Lineup features Ben Rice (hot with recent multi-HR games), Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, and supporting pieces. Warren has been solid as a starter/reliever hybrid with strong recent form.

Twins: Expect contributions from Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Kody Clemens, Josh Bell, Ryan Jeffers, Trevor Larnach, and others filling in around the injured Buxton and potential absences for Lewis/Culpepper. Kremer, acquired midseason from Baltimore, has mixed results.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Warren vs. Twins hitters: Warren owns a solid ERA and has performed well lately (including a strong outing vs. Colorado). He will face a Twins offense that ranks mid-pack but can generate power (Clemens, Bell). Favorable for a pitcher limiting hard contact.

Kremer vs. Yankees hitters: Kremer has struggled overall this year (elevated ERA). The Yankees lead the majors in certain power metrics against righties and feature Judge, Rice, and Bellinger— a tough matchup for a pitcher allowing barrels at a high rate recently.

Recent Team Forms

Yankees: 4-1 in last 5; strong overall (7-3 in last 10 in some reports). Coming off a Subway Series win over the Mets (including a 2-0 shutout on Sunday behind Cam Schlittler). Elite pitching (team ERA ~3.24, best or near-best in MLB); power-heavy offense. Away record strong (44-31).

Twins: 2-3 in last 5; 3-7 in last 10. Coming off a series loss to the Guardians (including a 9-2 defeat on Sunday). Offense produces runs but pitching ranks near the bottom (team ERA ~4.69). Home record 39-36.

Series History

The clubs have met previously this season (Twins took some earlier contests). Historical matchups have been competitive; Target Field can play neutrally or favor pitchers in cooler weather. The Yankees have generally held the upper hand in recent years against Minnesota.

Betting Trends

Trends favor the Yankees due to superior pitching, recent form, and overall quality. Unders often play in cooler conditions with solid starters. Game Odds

New York Yankees           – 119

Minnesota Twins             8

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, September 13, 2026

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