Oracle Park, San Francisco, California
First pitch: 3:45 p.m. ET (12:45 p.m. PT)
TV: MNNT / NBCS-BA / Twins.TV
This is the rubber match of a three-game series. The Giants took Game 1 (5-2); the Twins responded with a 3-2 win in Game 2. Both clubs are out of contention and evaluating young talent down the stretch. Minnesota sits third in the AL Central; San Francisco is fourth in the NL West.
Probable Pitchers
Twins: LHP Connor Prielipp (6-7, 4.94 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 125 K in 120.1 IP over 21 starts). The 25-year-old lefty enters with momentum after a career-high 7 scoreless innings and 8 strikeouts against the Angels. He posts solid strikeout rates (~9.3 K/9) and better underlying metrics (FIP around 3.76–3.91) than his ERA suggests.
Giants: LHP Cesar Perdomo (0-1, 3.72 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12 K in 19.1 IP). The 24-year-old rookie is making his fourth start (fifth appearance) and seeking his first MLB win. Limited big-league sample includes a rough home outing vs. San Diego (10 H, 5 ER in 4.2 IP) mixed with stronger efforts. Lower stuff metrics and modest K rates mark him as a high-variance option.
Current Weather Forecast
Partly cloudy to clear/sunny skies. High near 66–73°F around game time, light west/northwest winds (3–12 mph), humidity in the 60–70% range, and essentially 0% chance of precipitation. Comfortable afternoon conditions typical of the Bay Area; the spacious park and mild breeze should mildly favor pitching.
Injury Reports
Twins:
CF Byron Buxton (10-day IL, hip — out for season after surgery)
LF Trevor Larnach (10-day IL, wrist)
SS Kaelen Culpepper (10-day IL, hamstring)
SP Pablo López, SP Mick Abel, SP David Festa, RP Anthony Banda and others (mostly 60-day IL, elbow/shoulder/lat issues).
Giants:
SS Willy Adames (10-day IL, elbow)
RF Jung Hoo Lee (10-day IL, groin)
2B Nate Furman (10-day IL, oblique)
DH Bryce Eldridge (concussion list)
SP Logan Webb (15-day IL, finger), SP Blade Tidwell (15-day IL, elbow — longer-term concern), RP J.T. Brubaker (ribs), and a deep list of 60-day IL players (Rafael Devers, Casey Schmitt, Keaton Winn, Carson Whisenhunt, etc.). 2B Osleivis Basabe is day-to-day (hamstring).
Key Rosters / Notable Players
Twins: 3B Brooks Lee (~24 HR, consistent production), OF/INF Luke Keaschall (.276 AVG, strong OBP and recent multi-hit form), DH Josh Bell (power/RBI), C Ryan Jeffers, INF Royce Lewis, OF Austin Martin, OF Walker Jenkins (emerging power), INF Kody Clemens, and young contributors filling gaps.
Giants: OF Drew Gilbert (recent hot streak with power), INF Christian Koss, C Andrew Knizner/Drew Cavanaugh, INF Marcelo Mayer, OF Víctor Bericoto, INF Brett Harris, and a mix of call-ups. The lineup is heavily depleted of its usual stars.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Both starters are left-handed, creating platoon dynamics.
Prielipp’s improved command and strikeout ability should challenge a thin Giants offense that has struggled overall.
Giants right-handed bats (Koss, Knizner, etc.) gain the platoon edge, while lefty threats face a same-handed matchup.
Perdomo’s limited experience against Twins hitters (Lee’s power from both sides, Keaschall’s contact/OBP skills, Bell’s experience) introduces uncertainty.
Oracle Park’s large dimensions historically suppress home runs and extra-base hits, which should help both pitchers.
Recent Team Forms
Twins: Competitive of late (roughly 3-2 in last 5 in some snapshots; mixed results overall). Road record 34-46. Offense ranks solidly in AL slugging (.402) but has been inconsistent.
Giants: Struggling (3-7 in last 10 in reports, .235 team AVG in recent stretch). Home record 37-40. Offense has been quiet amid injuries; they have been outscored recently.
Series History
Third meeting of the 2026 season (series tied 1-1). Interleague results have been competitive historically, though both rosters feature significant turnover due to injuries and youth movements this year.
Betting Trends
Oracle Park is pitcher-friendly (low HR park factor). Series has averaged ~6 runs through two games. Twins have been solid ATS in some Prielipp starts. Giants have struggled as underdogs and own a poor recent overall record (19-31 in last 50 in one report). Mild weather and depleted lineups further support lower scoring.
GAME ODDS
Minnesota Twins – 140
San Francisco Giants 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, September 22, 2026
