The Twins get routed 13-1 by the Red Sox on July 30, 2025. The crushing loss is compounded by the news that star Byron Buxton is heading to the injured list.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those days you just want to forget. The Minnesota Twins didn't just lose the series finale to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday; they were dismantled in a 13-1 shellacking at home. As if watching the Red Sox pile on runs wasn't painful enough, the day's news was soured further by the confirmation that Byron Buxton is heading to the 10-day injured list, leaving a massive hole in the lineup and the outfield.
The Red Sox broke the game open with a five-run fifth inning and piled on with four more in the ninth. The Twins' lone run came in the second.
The game itself was a forgettable affair. Starter Zebby Matthews was hit hard, taking the loss as the Red Sox offense, led by Jarren Duran's four-RBI day, ran wild. The only cheer from the home crowd came early, when Matt Wallner launched a solo home run in the second inning. After that, it was all Boston. Adding a layer of irony to the blowout, the Twins had just sent pitchers Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak to Boston in a trade two days prior. While neither pitched today, seeing their new team dominate so thoroughly had to sting.
Perhaps more concerning than any single loss is the news about Byron Buxton. Placed on the 10-day IL with an undisclosed injury, the team is now without its dynamic superstar for the foreseeable future. Buxton's health is a perennial concern, and this latest setback comes at a crucial time as the team navigates the stretch run. The lack of a specific timetable for his return only adds to the anxiety surrounding the situation. The Twins will have to find a way to manufacture offense and cover immense ground in center field without him.
The front office continues to tinker with the roster, particularly the bullpen. Following a rough MLB debut where he allowed four runs, Pierson Ohl was optioned back to Triple-A St. Paul. In his place, the Twins recalled right-hander Noah Davis. Acquired from the Dodgers earlier this month, Davis brings a fresh arm and some decent numbers from his time in Triple-A. It's a clear sign the team is still searching for reliable relief options and isn't afraid to make quick changes to stop the bleeding.
Unfortunately, reinforcements from the farm system aren't exactly imminent. The injury bug has bitten the minor league ranks as well, with top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (oblique strain) and promising infielder Luke Keaschall (forearm fracture) both remaining on the injured list. While Keaschall has begun a rehab assignment, the system's top-end talent is currently sidelined, limiting the team's options for an internal spark.
Wednesday was a day of setbacks on all fronts: a demoralizing loss on the field, a critical injury to a star player, and continued injury concerns in the farm system. The Twins have to wash this one off quickly. With the trade deadline looming and the team looking vulnerable, the next few days will be critical. It's time to see how this team responds to adversity, both on the diamond and in the front office.
