Any number of teams in major league baseball would welcome a one-month record of 15-12.
But for the Twins, who went 38-18 from the end of March through May, finishing three games over .500 amounts to a June swoon for this club. You could hardly call their play of late bad baseball, but let’s hope this is the extent of the team’s slower, less dominating form.
The Twins remain 23 games over .500 and have an eight-game lead on the second-place Cleveland Indians. Some time off over the all-star break should do them some good, and once play resumes they likely will be at full strength. Falvey & Co. also have added depth to the team’s bullpen. This team can hit, score runs and deliver quality starts. A better showing from the bullpen and there’s no reason the Twins shouldn’t have a strong second half of the season.
Before the all-star game, the Twins play three at Oakland and come home for three more against the Texas Rangers. Jake Odorizzi, who will join Jorge Polanco at the all-star game, gets the ball Tuesday in Oakland.
Extra innings…
-Meanwhile, baseball was played on Sunday and the Twins lost 4-3 to the Chicago White Sox. This must’ve been a frustrating loss for the Twins because the game was rain-delayed for about three hours, which can’t be good for a pitching staff. The Twins showed some spirit late in the game, but still fell short.
-Twins rookie and Aussie lefty, Lewis Thorpe, made his major league debut on Sunday and he pitched pretty well. Thorpe struck out seven over five innings and allowed only two runs before the rain started to fall. I think he’s earned a second start.
-The win went to South Sider, Lucas Giolito, who is now 11-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
-Nelson Cruz hit his 16th home run on Sunday. Cruz, who turns 39 on Monday, shows no signs of slowing down. There’s a chance he hits the 400th home run of his career with the Twins this season. As of Sunday, he’s at 376 and counting.