White Sox losing streak reaches 19 as Kepler hits go-ahead, 7th-inning homer in Twins' 6-2 win
The Chicago White Sox extended their team-record losing streak to 19, giving up Max Keplerโs tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that lifted the Minnesota Twins to a 6-2 win.
Carlos Rodรณn wins 6th straight start for Yankees, putting miserable first season in New York behind
Carlos Rodรณn retired his first 16 batters and won a career-best sixth straight start, leading the Yankees over the Minnesota Twins 9-5 that stretched New Yorkโs winning streak to seven.
Yankees pitcher Cortes emerges pain-free from first spring training start after injury-marred 2023
New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes emerged pain-free from his first spring training appearance.
Twins acquire outfielder Manuel Margot in 3-player trade with Dodgers, who add Kikรฉ Hernรกndez
The Minnesota Twins acquired outfielder Manuel Margot, minor league shortstop Rayne Doncon and cash from the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league shortstop Noah Miller.
Twins bring Buxton back after mid-series roster switch for ailing Kirilloff
The Minnesota Twins have added designated hitter Byron Buxton as an injury substitute to their AL Division Series roster prior to Game 4 against Houston.
Stealing the show: Acuรฑa leads speedsters seeking October impact in pitch clock era
Fans who are returning to baseball for the postseason will find Ronald Acuรฑa Jr. and other speedsters playing a different game.
Lorenzen, Buxton, Hernรกndez, Cueto out for Wild Card Series; Correa, Siri, Bush on rosters
Michael Lorenzen, Byron Buxton, Johnny Cueto and Jonathan Hernรกndez were among the players left off rosters for Wild Card Series, while the Texas Rangers made the surprise inclusion of former top draft pick Matt Bush.
Dodgers win in 12th on bases-loaded walk, Muncy homers twice to regain major-league lead
Chris Taylor scored on a bases-loaded walk in the 12th inning, Max Muncy homered twice to move back into the major league lead, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Minnesota Twins 9-8 for their sixth straight win.
Judge drives in 3, helps Yanks top Twins 12-6 to avoid sweep
Aaron Judge had three hits and three RBIs and dodged an injury scare on his eventful 31st birthday, helping the New York Yankees avoid a sweep and beat the Minnesota Twins 12-6.
Germรกn leads Yankees over Twins 6-1 after sticky stuff flap
Domingo Germรกn retired his first 16 batters, staying in the game after an extensive sticky substance check by umpires, leading the New York Yankees over the Twins 6-1.
Twins' bid for combo no-hitter ends with 1 out in 9th vs KC
Minnesota rookie Joe Ryan and reliever Jovani Moran combined to pitch no-hit ball until Bobby Witt Jr. doubled with one out in the ninth inning as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3.
Verlander 6 no-hit innings, 16th W; Astros top Correa, Twins
Justin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correaโs return to Houston.
Blue Jays top Twins on overturned call; Baldelli ejected
Cavan Biggio hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning and Whit Merrifield scored on an overturned call to lead the Blue Jays to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins and split the four-game series.
Gimรฉnez homer in 9th gives Guardians 5-3 win over Twins
Andrรฉs Gimรฉnez hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Minnesota Twins 5-3 for their second straight walk-off win against their AL Central rivals.
Naylor's 2-run HR in 10th gives Guardians 7-6 win over Twins
Josh Naylor hit a two-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, completing a four-run rally that gave the Cleveland Guardians a 7-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
LEADING OFF: Thor back in NY, Pรฉrez on a roll, Correa out
Noah Syndergaard pitches in New York for the first time since leaving the Mets during the offseason, starting the Los Angeles Angelsโ series opener at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.
LEADING OFF: Yankees open series vs Rays without Stanton
Minus injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton, the ailing New York Yankees open a four-game series at Tampa Bay โ the first meeting this year between the heated AL East rivals.
Cleveland Guardians place slugger Naylor on COVID-19 list
Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor has been added to the teamโs COVID-19 injured list, marking the first player to be sidelined by the teamโs recent outbreak.
Polanco HR, 4 RBIs; Twins beat Red Sox 8-3 on Patriots' Day
Jorge Polanco and Kyle Garlick hit early two-run homers over the Green Monster to back Dylan Bundy, carrying the Minnesota Twins past the Red Sox 8-3 in Bostonโs annual Patriotsโ Day game.
Wacha, Story provide spark in new home, Sox beat Twins 8-1
Michael Wacha pitched five shutout innings in his Fenway Park debut with Boston and Trevor Story drove in his first two runs in his new home, leading the Red Sox to a 8-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
LEADING OFF: Struggling Padres face Braves, Turner on a roll
The Padresโ hopes of shaking off a disappointing 2021 arenโt off to a great start โ San Diego has lost four of five heading into its series finale against the World Series champion Braves.
LEADING OFF: Struggling Padres face Braves, Buxton OK
The Padresโ hopes of shaking off a disappointing 2021 arenโt off to a great start โ San Diego has lost four of five heading into a series finale against the World Series champion Braves.
Correa promises 'championship culture' for luckless Twins
Carlos Correa has declared the postseason โhis time,โ and the Minnesota Twins hope all that October experience can turn around the fortunes of a snake-bitten franchise.
![Defending AL champ Rays poised to open ALDS against Red Sox](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/3GuTQp2OcnHvHDlaY-HV6xApxus=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SY5YX5H2LBAJZNY53GACK5DFGY.jpg)
Defending AL champ Rays poised to open ALDS against Red Sox
The Tampa Bay Rays have won more games than any other team in the American League over the past two seasons, going about their business with a quiet confidence that has the full attention of the Boston Red Sox.
![Sale and Dalbec lead Red Sox to 12-2 rout of Twins](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/-hQKQQeyV0aSVRXONkPwx7kj468=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/I4UQ5QI6N5BV5PBXZ5QAVKMXFE.jpg)
Sale and Dalbec lead Red Sox to 12-2 rout of Twins
Red Sox ace Chris Sale joined Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax as the only pitchers on record with three immaculate innings, Bobby Dalbec homered twice and Boston beat the Minnesota Twins 12-2.
![Giolito fires back at Donaldson, White Sox beat Twins 7-6](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/F3tN-wCyvd6gpDZQRheLyYRl0Dg=/800x446/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QXOR4WUP4RC5HG4BCVX3OJB3G4.jpg)
Giolito fires back at Donaldson, White Sox beat Twins 7-6
Lucas Giolito lobbed an expletive-laced response in Josh Donaldsonโs direction after the slugger appeared to yell โNot sticky anymore,โ after a first-inning homer, overshadowing Gavin Sheetsโ successful debut for the White Sox in a 7-6 victory over the Twins.
![Refsnyder, Twins hand Orioles 14th straight loss, 3-2 in 10](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/dObmbdvwRuWWtcuyp7tawqcxyxs=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QBWRAXFXCJFDPI2ML7VRLUSCQY.jpg)
Refsnyder, Twins hand Orioles 14th straight loss, 3-2 in 10
Rob Refsnyder bounced back from a run-in with the center-field fence to score the go-ahead run in the 10th inning on a wild pitch and the Minnesota Twins handed the Baltimore Orioles their 14th straight loss, 3-2.
![A full plate: Twins' Donaldson scores MLB's 2 millionth run](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/RFWduAZAHpcVM1L9d9PqmayqCZs=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/KXC4AMJEN5DITMUPMAEC22JHJQ.jpg)
A full plate: Twins' Donaldson scores MLB's 2 millionth run
Josh Donaldson of the Minnesota Twins has scored the 2 millionth run in Major League Baseball history, trotting home in the first inning on a ground-rule double by Nelson Cruz against Kansas City.
![Debate night: La Russa says Mercedes 'clueless' to swing 3-0](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ZXtk6u4HcZuPeB1Tw-sfImjIIoM=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/KBUDU6QMZJEEDDWRT33BPAXXBA.jpg)
Debate night: La Russa says Mercedes 'clueless' to swing 3-0
White Sox manager Tony La Russa says Yermรญn Mercedes made a โbig mistakeโ when he crushed a 3-0 pitch from infielder Willians Astudillo for a solo homer in the ninth inning of Monday nightโs 16-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
![A's extend winning streak to 11, helped by 2 errors in 10th](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/v_S-0YMJwcwDLP1KWEb8koM6eRA=/800x522/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/CM3XXUHOHRET7JRSOTILPELMHM.jpg)
A's extend winning streak to 11, helped by 2 errors in 10th
The Oakland Athletics extended their winning streak to 11, rallying from a two-run deficit to beat the Twins 13-12 when Luis Arraez threw away Ramรณn Laureanoโs grounder for Minnesotaโs second error of the 10th inning.
![Luzardo follows Manaea's stellar start, A's beat Twins twice](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/qseSvv1f5HcbqJC0SSCTYs04hio=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/OGZKFOBAZBACPIC6I3SY6HKIKI.jpg)
Luzardo follows Manaea's stellar start, A's beat Twins twice
Matt Olson hit a grand slam, Mitch Moreland homered twice to back Sean Manaeaโs shutout, then Jesรบs Luzardo followed with his own Game 2 gem as the Oakland Athletics swept a doubleheader against the depleted Minnesota Twins, 7-0 and 1-0 to run their winning streak to 10 games.
![Twins-A's postponed Monday for Minnesota's virus problems](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/5S3WUfE_k6s2Y_ytRVJtOxdl8lo=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JLKKKZGORRDADDJXFJ5C6VUKFU.jpg)
Twins-A's postponed Monday for Minnesota's virus problems
The game between Minnesota and the Oakland Athletics scheduled for Monday night at the Coliseum has been postponed because of the Twinsโ continued COVID-19 problems.
![Streak breaker: Kepler singles in 9th, as Twins edge Red Sox](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/YqdRO9zDiCjWK40lP5p4NOanIgY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZYOP6ZTSWJGZFMNYW4BL6GJIAA.jpg)
Streak breaker: Kepler singles in 9th, as Twins edge Red Sox
Max Keplerโs RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning gave Minnesota a 4-3 victory over Boston, stopping a five-game losing streak for the Twins and breaking a nine-game winning string for the Red Sox.
![Devers, Bosox win snowy 7th in row; Twins hold silent moment](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/92jsL2jxTWNLinrpeRyl6uGK2Wc=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/32MFUJXW4VBFXBUJBXDNP5AXWY.jpg)
Devers, Bosox win snowy 7th in row; Twins hold silent moment
Rafael Devers homered for the fourth straight game and the streaking Boston Red Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on a snowy afternoon in a series opener moved back following the fatal police shooting of a Black man in the Twin Cities area.
![LEADING OFF: Kershaw vs Scherzer as last 2 champs collide](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xxrpWTtvC3Paz4Xv-_oIx3AlAR8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F4OORWUZMVGPDOSKURQOBFTIVQ.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Kershaw vs Scherzer as last 2 champs collide
A pair of three-time Cy Young Award winners square off when Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers face Max Scherzer and the Nationals in a marquee matchup between the past two World Series champions.
![Twins coach Mike Bell, brother of Reds manager, dies at 46](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/XQiUpZiQAoi7vPFXMeRPt5jzvqk=/1600x1061/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3VQ24WL5RVC7HEXSW6WRYKMZOQ.jpg)
Twins coach Mike Bell, brother of Reds manager, dies at 46
FILE - This is a 2020 file photo showing Mike Bell of the Minnesota Twins baseball team. Twins bench coach Mike Bell has taken an indefinite leave from the team because of kidney cancer. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)FORT MYERS, Fla. โ Minnesota Twins bench coach Mike Bell, the younger brother of Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell, died Friday of kidney cancer. Mike Bell had surgery Jan. 28 to remove a growth that was discovered earlier that month. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said at the start of spring training that his top assistant in the dugout was โvery, very optimisticโ about his recovery.
![Fungo golf for Giants pitchers; fans for MLB spring games](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/HBdIefkr4U3YxoSGWSMVwAs5pIY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DRHBEDLIRFAWFNHM5NXPQPRVME.jpg)
Fungo golf for Giants pitchers; fans for MLB spring games
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)Right-hander Kevin Gausmanโs impressive day at spring training had nothing to do with any of the usual statistics, like strikeouts or innings pitched. Batting practice for San Francisco's pitchers took on a non-traditional look Thursday at Scottsdale Stadium in Arizona. But the stands won't be empty โ or full โ when the Giants host their spring training opener Sunday. Scottsdale Stadium will have the lowest capacity at 9%, which is about 1,000 fans for Giants home games. Spectators at Scottsdale Stadium may get to see Gausman throw his lively fastball, but not a look at his Fungo golf skills.
![Playoff experience: 3 make MLB debuts in 2020 postseason](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/8xN-ccCNKHcnF0_pCQV_C-wSTJo=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/URK57ZNGU5GWPMX26RBNZGZOYM.jpg)
Playoff experience: 3 make MLB debuts in 2020 postseason
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)It's normal for a baseball player to dream of making his big league debut or pitching in the postseason. He became the fifth player in the modern era to make his big league debut in a postseason game โ and three of those newcomers did it this year. The Padres lost 5-1, but it was scoreless when Weathers came in โ a reasonably high-pressure situation, compared to other players who made their debuts in the postseason. In 2015, Adalberto Mondesi made his debut for Kansas City in Game 3 of the World Series. "Heโs here to play, and thatโs why we carried him on this roster.โMcClanahan's debut came in Game 1 of the AL Division Series on Monday night.
![Astros sweep as Twins lose 18th straight in playoffs](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/YaEOf9w4vjhmgqM_EnqMW4OCuAA=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FBPI2QS7J5BLPJND3ARGL7663M.jpg)
Astros sweep as Twins lose 18th straight in playoffs
"But what are they going to say now?โNine months after Houston's rules-breaking, sign-stealing system was revealed, the Astros advanced to the Division Series in Los Angeles. The Twins are 0-18 in the playoffs since winning Game 1 of their Division Series at the New York Yankees on Oct. 5, 2004, a total of seven rounds lost. Since that date, the Astros are 43-35 in postseason play, winning 10 of 15 rounds with three trips to the World Series. In a three-game division series sweep by the Yankees last year, the Twins totaled seven runs and 22 hits. Baldelli declined to confirm whether Buxton was experiencing a recurrence of concussion symptoms that kept him out of the last two regular season games.
![LEADING OFF: Wild, 8-game day opens with Bauer vs Fried](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/6XnuAvJtSiQiZNiHHWoRZIpX8ME=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3QAUCSDJNZFMTEDYN7FHYLA6SY.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Wild, 8-game day opens with Bauer vs Fried
(AP Photo/Aaron Doster)A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:___CRAZY EIGHTHowโs this for wild: MLB is set to stage eight postseason games on the same day for the first time. National League clubs will open their best-of-three wild-card series, while four American League teams are already facing elimination after starting Tuesday. With the expansion of the first round from a pair of wild-card games to eight best-of-three series, there are a maximum 65 possible postseason games this year. In the 1960s, there were 66 postseason games in the entire decade, with league championship series starting in 1969. Dallas Keuchel (6-2, 1.99 ERA) starts Game 2 following a successful first season with Chicago.
![Astros win 4-1 in Game 1; Twins' record losing streak at 17](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/U_0JjL4UGFdZz6KwYrY4K6LtexA=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XREKAWTN6NH4BH46VLOALWKHIY.jpg)
Astros win 4-1 in Game 1; Twins' record losing streak at 17
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, and George Springer, center, jump in celebration of the Astros 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins 4-1 in Game 1 of an American League wild-card baseball series, Tuesday Sept. 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. They know what itโs like," said manager Dusty Baker, after the Astros became the first team in major league history to win a game after reaching the postseason with a losing record. It didnโt go my way,โ said Romo, who has three World Series rings with San Francisco and pitched in his 30th career postseason game. Minnesotaโs previous win in the playoffs was notched in New York on Oct. 5, 2004, in Game 1 of the AL division series. UP NEXTThe Astros were waiting until after the game to announce their starter for Game 2, though Valdez's appearance took him out of the mix.
![Twins shelve Donaldson for wild card series with calf injury](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/QoqmuHpQ1qrg_myulLpj8rVwu_4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PVK4GGC2JNEAHPU2GK2XHKHGE4.jpg)
Twins shelve Donaldson for wild card series with calf injury
MINNEAPOLIS โ Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson will miss the best-of-three AL first-round series against Houston because of a nagging injury to his right calf, and the team included rookie Alex Kirilloff on the roster that was set on Tuesday prior to Game 1. He has never played above Double-A but showed the club he was ready with strong performances at the team's alternate training site this summer. He can play the corner outfield positions and first base, giving manager Rocco Baldelli additional flexibility with Donaldson out. Like the Twins and Kirilloff, the Astros put outfielder Chas McCormick on their roster despite him never previously appearing in an MLB game. Manager Dusty Baker said McCormick was included for defense and potential designated runner duties.
![LEADING OFF: Playoffs begin, Bieber vs Cole in prime matchup](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/uAqc7t1AftF86JOOwU2nU-6lwPQ=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/R3HOOSYLMFEIVMXVOZM6TZ3EU4.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Playoffs begin, Bieber vs Cole in prime matchup
Gerrit Cole delivered for the Yankees in his first season since signing a $324 million, nine-year contract, going 7-3 with a 2.84 ERA. โWe think this is a good matchup.โFor all Bieber and Cole have accomplished in the shortened regular season, it will mean little if they donโt perform well to start the best-of-three series. For instance, Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka has only played 72 regular season games, including just two against wild-card foe Cleveland. Both were injured Friday, sat out the final two regular season games as a precaution, then participated in a workout at Target Field on Monday. They open a wild-card series in Oakland hoping ace Lucas Giolito can play stopper.
![LEADING OFF: Ailing players heal up, Yanks back in Cleveland](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/wf_OWtTD3XQnKoZ81fTBajg8qM0=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6LZGNXNNUBDG7EXPHJD4ZGFGEY.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Ailing players heal up, Yanks back in Cleveland
Minnesota has a couple of ailing hitters in third baseman Josh Donaldson (right calf) and center fielder Byron Buxton (mild concussion symptoms). Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said Buxton is improving and the team hopes heโll be ready for the postseason opener. Brett Phillips exited Sundayโs game with right hamstring tightness, and fellow outfielder Manuel Margot (sore foot) was scratched from the lineup. Acuรฑa was scratched Sunday with renewed irritation in his left wrist. Because of the reworked schedule caused by the virus outbreak, the Yankees didnโt play in Cleveland this year.
![On final day, 2 NL spots and AL Central crown in play](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/IaWSm0-qhb7eUpiWcvK6rlFP3Ak=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/EOOOJZYDY5AVXOJROPQM5E5YEM.jpg)
On final day, 2 NL spots and AL Central crown in play
2 seed in the AL โ with a win at home against Cincinnati or a White Sox loss at home to the Cubs. "It would mean a lot for all of us that have been here for the last couple of years,โ White Sox infielder Yoรกn Moncada said through a translator. Oakland won the AL West and will also play a best-of-three first-round series at home beginning Tuesday โ possibly against rival Houston. Cleveland can earn home-field advantage with a win over last-place Pittsburgh and a White Sox loss. Anthony Rizzo and the Chicago Cubs clinched the NL Central crown Saturday night even while losing to the crosstown White Sox.
![LEADING OFF: NL playoff race wide open, AL nearly locked in](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/b309c9mxEzEmbZ0XL5doKydv2pg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/D4W3LN5PH5GE7NVUMSIYJAXK7U.jpg)
LEADING OFF: NL playoff race wide open, AL nearly locked in
The Marlins, Phillies, Cardinals, Reds, Brewers and Giants are the top teams still in contention -- and theyโre packed tightly with slots available for one team from the NL East, another from the NL Central and then two wild cards. The Mets (26-31) and Rockies (25-31) are mathematically eligible but need to win out just to have a shot. AL-MOST OVEROnly one playoff spot remains open in the AL, and Michael Brantley and the Astros are on the verge of clinching it. The Twins are trying to seal the AL Central. The Chisox have lost five in a row, dropping them out of the AL Central lead and one game behind Minnesota.
![White Sox beat Twins 4-3 to clinch playoff spot](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/mgKksl2SFJNmJsewlC9yW2-5DNk=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3VQDFAEQRFCJ7JIACRMCREWRGE.jpg)
White Sox beat Twins 4-3 to clinch playoff spot
Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu (79) and Eloy Jimenez celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins in baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Chicago. The White Sox clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO โ After clinching a postseason berth for the first time since 2008, the Chicago White Sox were low key during their on-field celebration. The White Sox assured themselves of no worse than a wild-card berth. White Sox: RHP Jonathan Stiever (0-0, 2.45 ERA) starts the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Cincinnati.
![Dunning pitches White Sox past Twins for 6th straight win](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/gSxPsIc7mE6r5IrZ6KQR0rTXj0M=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZENREGFVA5HCRDIPNHKG3PWKI4.jpg)
Dunning pitches White Sox past Twins for 6th straight win
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dane Dunning delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
![Dunning pitches White Sox past Twins for 6th straight win](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/I097Ey3LKkfO0RCM1fulNnXnNyY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZENREGFVA5HCRDIPNHKG3PWKI4.jpg)
Dunning pitches White Sox past Twins for 6th straight win
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Dane Dunning delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Chicago. No longer just a bunch of promising young kids, the Chicago White Sox are looking down at the rest of the American League. The AL-best White Sox also moved 16 games over .500 for the first time since they were 71-55 on Aug. 26, 2012. But the White Sox went ahead to stay with three runs in the bottom of the third. White Sox: LHP Jace Fry threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings after he was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.
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MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson, calls for justice continue
He's just glad that on Jackie Robinson Day, they're conversations that everyone is willing to have, even if the answers aren't always clear. For Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, Jackie Robinson Day comes at a good time. Coming up in the Dodgers organization and the name Jackie Robinson, it just meant so much more. MLB announced Friday that its partnership with the Jackie Robinson Foundation would extend through 2023. It includes $3.5 million to support the foundation's Scholarship Program, the Jackie Robinson Museum and the annual JRF ROBIE Awards.
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Maeda's no-hitter ends in 9th; Twins top Brewers 4-3 in 12
Minnesota Twins pitcher Kenta Maeda of Japan throws against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)MINNEAPOLIS Kenta Maeda lost a no-hitter in the ninth inning for the Minnesota Twins, who blew a three-run lead but came back to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings. Maeda's no-hit bid was ended by Eric Sogard's soft single that soared just over the glove of a leaping Polanco at shortstop. Maeda retired 21 straight batters in a stretch from the first to the eighth innings and finished with 12 strikeouts. Opponents are 0 for 22 against Hader this season, with four walks and one hit by pitch 12 strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings.
![Twins rout Brewers, 12-2, behind Kenta Maeda](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Sd_A3aoNYbpE2aCoZ0KCGW3KUVw=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QY6NV73SJVBULC534ZSPWRAVD4.jpg)
Twins rout Brewers, 12-2, behind Kenta Maeda
Minnesota Twins' Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton and Jake Cave celebrate after a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE Byron Buxton hit two solo home runs and Miguel San added another as the Minnesota Twins jumped to an early lead and routed the Milwaukee Brewers 12-2 on Wednesday night. The victory gave the AL Central-leading Twins a 2-1 series win over the Brewers, who dropped to 2-6 at home. Minnesota starter Kenta Maeda (3-0), in his first season with the Twins after being acquired from the Dodgers in February, retired the first 11 batters he faced. Brewers: In Chicago facing Cubs RHP Yu Darvish (2-1, 2.12 ERA), who has thrown 16 strikeouts in 17 innings.
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Garca homers twice as White Sox pound Twins 10-3
(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO Leury Garca homered from both sides of the plate, helping Dallas Keuchel and the Chicago White Sox pound the Minnesota Twins 10-3 on Saturday. Keuchel allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings in his White Sox debut after agreeing to a $55.5 million, three-year contract in December. McCann singled in Adam Engel before Garca belted a three-run drive off left-hander Devin Smeltzer in the seventh, making it 10-3 White Sox. It also was the 11th time a White Sox player had connected from both sides of the plate in a single game. WORTH NOTINGThe White Sox announced right-hander Carson Fulmer had been claimed off waivers by Detroit.
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Roster shuffle: Plans change in MLB because of health issues
PHOENIX The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches. I think we all know that we're making the right decision, but that doesn't mean it feels good," Baldelli said. The defending World Series champion Nationals will begin their title defense without Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross, who both declined to play because of health concerns. We are one hundred percent supportive of their decision to not play this year, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said in a statement. Cleveland's 61-year-old manager Terry Francona said he's not nervous, even though he's had previous health issues.