Twins fall to Marlins 4-1, ending a tough road trip. With Bailey Ober injured, the team hopes for a spark from Royce Lewis's return vs. the Rays on July 4.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The fireworks came a day early for the Miami Marlins, who sent the Minnesota Twins packing with a 4-1 loss to cap a disappointing 2-4 road trip. But as the Twins return to Target Field for a patriotic clash with the Tampa Bay Rays, a different kind of spark awaits: the much-anticipated return of star third baseman Royce Lewis.
The Twins managed only one hit off Marlins starter Eury Pérez, who struck out seven over six innings.
Thursday's series finale in Miami was a microcosm of the team's recent offensive woes. Marlins ace Eury Pérez was simply dominant, holding the Twins to a single hit over six masterful innings. That lone hit was a powerful one—a solo home run from Matt Wallner in the seventh to break up the shutout—but it was far too little, too late. Starter David Festa battled through six innings, but a three-run first inning, punctuated by an Agustín Ramírez two-run shot, put the Twins in a hole they couldn't escape. The loss also ended Kyle Stowers' nine-game hitting streak and sent the team home with a sour taste in their mouths.
The bad news wasn't confined to the field. The Twins officially placed starter Bailey Ober on the 15-day injured list with a left hip impingement. With ace Pablo López already on the 60-day IL with a right teres major strain, the starting rotation is suddenly looking perilously thin. Ober's absence is a significant blow, creating a major challenge for the pitching staff heading into a critical stretch of the season. To provide some reinforcement for the pitching staff, lefty reliever Kody Funderburk was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul.
Amidst the gloom, a massive ray of hope has arrived. Third baseman Royce Lewis was officially activated from the 10-day injured list on July 1 and is set to rejoin the lineup for the homestand. Sidelined with a hamstring strain, Lewis's bat and energy have been sorely missed. His return couldn't be more timely, as the team desperately needs an offensive catalyst. To make room on the roster for Lewis's return, infielder Jonah Bride, who had been designated for assignment, cleared waivers and was outrighted to St. Paul.
While the big league club deals with injuries, the future continues to shine. Top prospect Jay Harry Culpepper was named to the MLB Futures Game, a well-deserved honor for a player who has been tearing it up in the minors. It's a great sign for the organization's health. However, the injury bug also bit the farm, as St. Paul Saints infielder Ryan Fitzgerald landed on the 7-day IL with a hamstring strain, a tough break for the versatile player who was having a strong season.
As the fireworks light up the sky over Target Field tonight, the Twins hope to create some of their own against the Rays. Chris Paddack takes the mound in a crucial series opener, but all eyes will be on Royce Lewis. Can his return ignite this offense and turn the tide after a brutal road trip? This holiday weekend series feels like a pivotal moment. Let's hope it's the start of a mid-summer turnaround.
