Twins' Griffin Jax implodes late in loss to Braves

Minnesota led 4-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Apr 9, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Griffin Jax (22) pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Before Griffin Jax entered the game, the Minnesota Twins were leading the Atlanta Braves 4-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning of Friday night's tilt in Atlanta. After striking out the first batter he faced, Minnesota's veteran relief pitcher quickly allowed four earned runs, which opened up the floodgates, and ultimately paved the way for a 6-4 loss.

After striking out Braves third baseman Austin Riley, Jax issued a walk, then allowed a pair of singles and another walk before getting replaced by Cole Sands. His 26 pitches were a season high, but it marked only the second time this season he was replaced before finishing out an inning.

"I need to work on some things. I’m not feeling like myself right now. It [hurts] to take my team out of the game," Jax told reporters after the game.

Clutch 👏👏👏#HyundaiHighlight | #BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/bDIknosNyl

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 19, 2025

Jax now holds an 11.25 earned-run average with 14 hits, 11 runs and 12 strikeouts in eight innings pitched this season. He has allowed at least one hit in seven of his nine outings. Friday marked the second straight appearence where he has allowed more than three runs.

The 30-year-old pitcher was one of Minnesota's most effective relief pitchers last season. He struck out 95 batters with a 2.03 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in 71 innings. He has gotten off to a rough start in 2025, and Friday night was just the latest.

There have been a lot of factors that have led to Minnesota's rocky 7-13 start to the season, but Jax struggling to find a rhythm has hurt the Twins' bullpen, which was projected to be the best in baseball before the season.