Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
First pitch: 1:40 p.m. ET
TV: Braves Vision / Twins.TV
This interleague matchup features the first-place NL East Braves against the second-place AL Central Twins. Minnesota has taken the first two games of the series (4-2 and 4-1) and aims for a rare sweep of a strong Atlanta club.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Braves: RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (0-0, 4.15 ERA, 1.38 WHIP in limited action; ~4.1 IP this season). Making one of his early starts after returning from Tommy John surgery; still building up innings and experience at the major-league level.
Twins: RHP Taj Bradley (9-5, 3.98 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 151 K in 135.2 IP). Solid workhorse with strong strikeout totals; owns a solid home ERA at Target Field this season.
Bradley holds a clear edge in experience, innings, and established performance.
Current Weather Forecast (Target Field)
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with decreasing clouds. High near 80°F; game-time temperatures expected in the mid-to-upper 70s°F. Light winds (northeast shifting west/southwest, around 5 mph). Low precipitation chance. Pleasant conditions for an afternoon game.
Injury Reports
Atlanta Braves:
Reynaldo López (RP/SP) – 15-day IL (knee).
Robert Suarez (RP) – 15-day IL (elbow).
Spencer Strider (SP) and Spencer Schwellenbach (SP) – 60-day IL (elbow).
Joe Jiménez and Joey Wentz – 60-day IL (knee).
Key active: Matt Olson (36 HR, 77 RBI), Michael Harris II (.292 AVG), Austin Riley, Drake Baldwin (recent power), and the supporting cast.
Minnesota Twins:
Austin Martin (OF) – 10-day IL (hamstring).
Joe Ryan (SP) – 15-day IL (glute); progressing.
Longer-term 60-day IL: Pablo López, David Festa, Cole Sands, Mick Abel, Mike Paredes, Anthony Banda, and others (mostly arm/shoulder).
Key active: Byron Buxton (25 HR), Josh Bell (76 RBI), Brooks Lee, Luke Keaschall, and Ryan Jeffers.
Key Player Matchups & Notable Performers
Smith-Shawver vs. Twins hitters: Byron Buxton (power/speed) and Josh Bell present the biggest challenges. Brooks Lee and Luke Keaschall offer consistent contact.
Bradley vs. Braves hitters: Matt Olson (elite power) and Michael Harris II are primary threats. Austin Riley and Drake Baldwin (recent multi-hit/HR form) provide secondary production.
Both teams average around 4.6–4.8 runs per game with solid power (Braves 167 HR, Twins 147 HR). Target Field can play neutrally depending on wind.
Recent Team Forms
Braves: Struggling in the series (0-2); overall strong record but 1-4 in last 5. Away record 32-29. Strong team ERA (3.65).
Twins: 2-0 in the current series; competitive at home (34-31). Overall 62-65 but riding momentum against a top team.
Series History
Twins lead the current series 2-0. Limited prior 2026 meetings; Atlanta has historically held edges in some past interleague series, but Minnesota has dominated this set.
Betting Trends
Trends: Braves often favored due to superior overall record, but Twins’ series momentum and home field make this a tight number. Public may lean toward the better team on the road.
Game Odds
Atlanta Braves – 112
Minnesota Twins 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, August 18, 2026
