First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET
Coverage: SNY (NYM), Twins.TV; radio on Audacy Mets Radio (NYM) and TIBN / WCCO 830 / The Wolf 102.9 FM (MIN)
Venue & Game Context
The Minnesota Twins visit the New York Mets in the opener of a three-game interleague series at Citi Field. Both clubs enter on extended losing skids—the Mets have dropped 11 straight while the Twins have lost four in a row—making this a critical early-season matchup for momentum. The Mets sit near the bottom of the NL East; Minnesota holds a middle-of-the-pack spot in the AL Central. Citi Field’s spacious dimensions and pitcher-friendly reputation should suppress offense, though winds blowing out could play a minor role.
Weather Update
Game-time conditions forecast mostly/partially cloudy skies with temperatures around 46-47°F, 0-2% chance of precipitation, and winds of 11-13 mph blowing out toward left field. The cool air and breeze should slightly favor fly-ball distance and home-run potential to left, but the low temperatures and open stadium will suppress overall scoring with no rain delays expected.
Probable Pitchers & Player Matchups
Minnesota Twins: RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (0-3, 6.10 ERA, 1.60 WHIP)
Woods Richardson has struggled in four starts (20.2 IP, 11 K, 7 BB), allowing hard contact and elevated runs. He’ll face a Mets lineup desperate for offense amid their long skid but capable of capitalizing on mistakes. Minnesota’s bats (including Byron Buxton and Matt Wallner when active) will look to generate traffic, though the cold weather and Citi Field dimensions limit upside.
New York Mets: RHP Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.28 ERA, 0.76 WHIP)
McLean has been a bright spot with elite command and strikeout stuff (28 K in early work). He’ll oppose a Twins offense that ranks respectably but has been inconsistent lately. Mets hitters like those in the top of the order should test Woods Richardson’s command, while McLean’s home dominance gives New York a clear mound advantage in a low-scoring park.
Key Matchups to Watch:
Twins power/speed vs. McLean’s low-ERA control.
Mets lineup vs. Woods Richardson’s elevated ERA and recent struggles.
Bullpen usage: Both clubs are thinned by injuries, making late-inning management critical.
Injury Report
Minnesota Twins (notable absences):
3B Royce Lewis (left knee sprain) – 10-day IL (eligible ~Apr 21; rehab assignment progressing).
SP Pablo López (right elbow/Tommy John surgery) – out for 2026 season (60-day IL).
SP David Festa (right shoulder impingement) – 60-day IL.
Additional: RP Cody Laweryson (forearm), RP Andrew Morris (forearm), OF Matt Wallner (rib contusion – day-to-day).
Twins are short in rotation depth and key infield power.
New York Mets (pitching and lineup depth):
OF Juan Soto (calf strain) – 10-day IL (on track for homestand return; status day-to-day for Tuesday).
INF Jorge Polanco (right wrist contusion/left Achilles bursitis) – 10-day IL.
INF/OF Jared Young (left knee meniscus tear) – 10/15-day IL.
RP Joey Gerber (right finger blister) – 15-day IL.
Additional longer-term: RP Dedniel Núñez (elbow – 60-day IL), RP A.J. Minter (lat).
Mets are especially thin in the outfield and bullpen.
Team Records & Recent Form
Twins (11-11): 3rd in AL Central. 4-5 on the road and losers of four straight. Offense has been middle-pack; pitching inconsistencies (high ERA from starters) have contributed to the skid.
Mets (7-15): 5th in NL East. Struggling at home lately but on an 11-game losing streak overall. Offense has been inconsistent amid injuries; pitching has flashes but bullpen woes persist.
Series History
The clubs are tied 3-3 in their last six meetings (2025-2026). Minnesota took two of three in the most recent 2025 series at home. This is the first 2026 matchup; Citi Field has been relatively even historically, though current streaks and pitching disparity favor the home side on paper.
Betting Trends
Mets are 5-9 as favorites this season but strong at home vs. struggling starters.
The total has gone UNDER in several recent low-scoring Citi Field games with quality righties.
Twins are 2-5 SU in last seven road games and 0-4 in current skid.
Game Odds
Minnesota Twins 7.5
New York Mets – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 20, 2026
