Joe Ryan takes the mound for the Twins vs. Blue Jays on June 8, 2025. Can Ryan and a red-hot Matt Wallner lead Minnesota to a series win despite an early deficit?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a pivotal Sunday afternoon at Target Field as the Minnesota Twins look to bounce back from a tough loss and secure a series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. With ace Joe Ryan on the hill, the Twins are in a prime position to respond after yesterday's heartbreaker, but they're already in an early hole in a game that has significant implications for the AL Central race.
Two games, two home runs. Matt Wallner is making an immediate and powerful impact since his return from the injured list.
The Twins handed the ball to their most reliable starter, Joe Ryan, who entered the contest with a stellar 6-2 record and 2.91 ERA, having won four of his last five starts. The matchup looked favorable on paper, with the Blue Jays countering with the struggling Bowden Francis and his 5.84 ERA. However, Toronto struck first, with Tyler Heineman launching a solo home run and Nathan Lukes adding an RBI single to put the pressure on the Twins early. The team is now tasked with battling from behind to avoid dropping the series.
One of the brightest spots for the Twins right now is the thunderous return of Matt Wallner. After homering in his first game back from the IL in Seattle, Wallner didn't miss a beat, crushing another homer in Saturday's 5-4 loss. While Kody Clemens added a solo shot in the ninth, it wasn't enough to overcome George Springer's go-ahead two-run blast in the eighth. Wallner's immediate power surge is a massive boost for a lineup that needs consistent production to support its strong starting pitching.
Every game feels magnified with the Twins sitting six games behind the division-leading Detroit Tigers. A series win today is crucial to keep pace. The pressure is especially high on Joe Ryan to pitch deep into the game, as the bullpen could be thin. Griffin Jax, who took the loss Saturday, and closer Jhoan Durán both pitched yesterday, potentially limiting their availability for the finale. A long, efficient outing from Ryan is the team's best recipe for success today and for preserving the bullpen for the week ahead.
The outcome of today's rubber match will set the tone for the week ahead. A series win against a quality opponent like the Blue Jays is exactly the kind of momentum the Twins need as they continue their chase of the Tigers in the AL Central. All eyes are on whether Ryan can deliver another gem and if the bats can provide the support to get it done.
