Recap the Twins vs. Tigers June 28th showdown. See how Joe Ryan fared against Tarik Skubal and get the latest on Royce Lewis's promising injury recovery.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
On a pivotal late-June Saturday, the Minnesota Twins entered the Motor City with momentum, carrying a three-game winning streak and a chance to gain ground in the AL Central. The challenge? A matchup against the division-leading Detroit Tigers and their formidable ace, Tarik Skubal. With Minnesota's own starter, Joe Ryan, navigating some recent turbulence, the game shaped up to be a true test of the team's resilience.
Royce Lewis has started a running progression and reported running at about 80 percent.
All eyes were on the mound as Joe Ryan took the ball for the Twins. While he's been a rock in the rotation, recent outings have shown some 'uncharacteristic trends,' causing a bit of unease among the fanbase. Facing a tough Tigers lineup and going toe-to-toe with Tarik Skubal is a tall order for any pitcher, let alone one trying to iron out some kinks. This start is more than just one game in a 162-game season; it's a barometer for one of the team's most important arms as they head into the summer grind.
While the team focused on the present in Detroit, a major piece of their future provided a significant dose of good news. Royce Lewis, sidelined with a strained left hamstring, has officially begun his running progression. Hitting the 80 percent mark is a fantastic sign for the dynamic young star. The Twins have desperately missed his bat and energy in the lineup, and while there's no firm timetable for his return, this news provides a major psychological boost for a team fighting to stay in the race. Getting him back would be like a major trade deadline acquisition.
Further down the pipeline, a wholesome moment captured the spirit of the organization. At Triple-A St. Paul, fan-favorite Randy Dobnak, who is working his way back, celebrated a baseball-themed gender reveal with his daughter at the ballpark. It was a heartwarming scene that reminded everyone of the people behind the players. Dobnak's journey has always been one of perseverance, and seeing him share a joyful family moment is a great story coming out of the farm system.
The outcome of this crucial series in Detroit will be a major indicator of the Twins' direction. Whether Joe Ryan can find his groove against a top opponent and how the lineup fares will set the tone for the coming weeks. With Royce Lewis inching closer to a return, the team is looking for sparks to ignite a sustained second-half push, and it starts now.
