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Previewing the upcoming Rays-Twins series

ByMason Stacy|
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Jun 11, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Yandy Diaz (2) awaits the throw to tag out Minnesota Twins third baseman Jose Miranda (64) on his RBI double which he tried to stretch into a triple in the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Jun 11, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Yandy Diaz (2) awaits the throw to tag out Minnesota Twins third baseman Jose Miranda (64) on his RBI double which he tried to stretch into a triple in the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

The Rays and Twins will face off against each other in the third series of this young season. Although it's not smart to underestimate any teams early in the season, Tampa Bay should and honestly needs to win this series, if not sweep their AL Central opponent. Let's breakdown how this series will look from both sides.

The Rays are entering this series as one of the hottest hitting clubs in the majors. They currently lead the daunting AL East with 30 runs scored in the first six contests. Also, the Rays currently have two of the top 10 hitters in the league as Chandler Simpson (.476) and Yandy Diaz (.429) are on an absolute tear to begin the 2026 campaign.

However, Tampa Bay pitching has given up the second most runs in the entire MLB, trailing only the 1-5 White Sox. The bullpen has been a major issue to start this season as most of the games have been lost in the later innings. How will this recipe work against the 2026 Twins?

The Minnesota Twins went into the season with few aspirations as they take on another rebuild season. Their roster still includes some potent arms in Joe Ryan and former Rays hurler Taj Bradley. Their offense also has some impressive contributors despite a very slow start. The injury prone Royce Lewis has collected two homers already as he hopes to play a full season for the first time in his career.
Byron Buxton and James Outman are two more proven hitters, but injuries and some inconsistencies have also plagued them in their careers.

Through five games, the Twins have produced nine less runs than the Rays as their offense has looked rather sluggish. Leading the charge is 32-year-old veteran catcher Victor Caratini with a .267 AVG. Prominent sophomore, Luke Keaschall has started the year in a slump as he's collected only three hits in 19 at-bats. A season ago, the 23-year-old second baseman finished ninth in Rookie of the Year voting.

Meanwhile, the Rays' offense contains four hitters with a batting average above .300 as Chandler Simpson, Yandy Diaz, Nick Fortes, and Jonathan Aranda have all gotten off to scorching starts. Therefore, if the Rays play to their potential and the bullpen limits the damage against a slow Minnesota offense, this series should go in Tampa Bay's favor.

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