First pitch 9:38 p.m. ET
Venue: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, California
The Twins (fourth in the AL Central) visit the last-place Angels (fifth in the AL West) for Game 2 of a four-game series. Los Angeles took the opener 5-4 in 10 innings on Thursday. Both clubs are well out of contention and playing out the string, with Minnesota holding a clear edge in overall record and offensive production.
Starting Pitchers
Twins: LHP Connor Prielipp (5-7, 5.24 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 117 K in 113.1 IP across 20 starts). Rookie left-hander with solid strikeout ability (9.3 K/9) but elevated ERA and WHIP. He has shown mixed results, with better control in some recent outings.
Angels: RHP Grayson Rodriguez (4-7, 6.10 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 79 K in 87.0 IP across 18 starts). Former Orioles prospect struggling in his first full season with Anaheim, allowing hits and walks at a high rate while posting a career-worst ERA.
Prielipp holds the statistical edge in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts, giving Minnesota a slight pitching advantage despite both starters carrying elevated ERAs typical of late-season non-contenders.
Current Player Rosters & Projected Lineups
Twins key pieces: Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Kody Clemens (power), Josh Bell, Royce Lewis, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Victor Caratini/Ryan Jeffers, Walker Jenkins, Ben Ross, Trevor Larnach (day-to-day), and supporting depth. Solid mix of power and athleticism.
Projected lineups often feature Keaschall or similar at the top, power bats like Clemens/Bell/Lewis in the middle, and a mix of speed/contact lower.
Angels key pieces: Zach Neto (power/speed), Mike Trout, Wade Meckler, Moisés Ballesteros, Denzer Guzman, Josh Lowe, Oswald Peraza, Jose Siri, and others. Trout remains the centerpiece despite a down year by his standards; Neto provides pop.
Projected orders commonly lead with Neto, feature Trout prominently (often DH), and mix young talent around them.
Injury Reports
Twins:
Trevor Larnach (LF, day-to-day/wrist), Byron Buxton (CF, 10-day IL, hip — out for season), Kaelen Culpepper (SS, 10-day IL, hamstring), Mike Paredes (SP, 60-day IL), Mick Abel (SP, 60-day IL), plus longer-term absences including Pablo López, Anthony Banda, Cole Sands, and David Festa. Core lineup mostly available pending Larnach.
Angels:
Nolan Schanuel (1B, 10-day IL, side), Gustavo Campero (OF, 10-day IL, hamstring), George Klassen (SP, 15-day IL), Samy Natera Jr. (RP, 15-day IL), Yoan Moncada (3B, 60-day IL), plus Anthony Rendon, Robert Stephenson, Jack Kochanowicz, and others. Trout and Neto available; depth limited.
Weather Forecast (Angel Stadium)
Mostly sunny with highs around 79–80°F. Southwest winds 5–10 mph in the afternoon. Clear to partly cloudy evening with lows in the upper 50s to mid-60s. Comfortable, dry conditions with no precipitation expected — ideal for baseball.
Recent Team Forms
Twins: 3-7 in last 10; lost the series opener in extras after a late rally. Struggling overall but capable of offensive outbursts.
Angels: 5-5 in last 10; won the opener in walk-off fashion and have shown some late-season fight at home despite the poor record.
Minnesota’s better season-long metrics give them the edge, though Los Angeles has momentum from Thursday’s win.
Series History
Season series tied 2-2 entering this game (Angels won Game 1 of the current set 5-4 in 10 innings on Sept. 17). The clubs split a three-game set in Minnesota in July. Competitive but low-stakes late-season meetings.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Mike Trout and Zach Neto (Angels stars) vs. Connor Prielipp’s left-handed arsenal — potential for power if Prielipp leaves mistakes over the plate.
Kody Clemens, Josh Bell, and Royce Lewis (Twins power) vs. Grayson Rodriguez’s struggles with command and hard contact.
Overall: Twins’ superior team offense vs. Angels’ home park (historically neutral-to-pitcher friendly) and residual momentum from the walk-off win. Bullpens and small-ball execution may decide a mid-scoring game.
Betting Trends
Markets favor Minnesota due to the better record and slight starter edge.
Game Odds
Minnesota Twins – 119
Los Angeles Angels 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, September 17, 2026
