Twins Reveal Lineup for Series Opener as Connor Prielipp Takes the Mound

The Twins will look to extend their three-game winning streak against the Padres on the road.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Connor Prielipp (61) pitches at Target Field. Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Twins are beginning their third consecutive series against National League teams as part of a six-game road trip on the West Coast. This Friday, they will face the San Diego Padres in a three-game matchup. The Twins are currently holding the final American League Wild Card spot, while the Padres are holding the final National League Wild Card spot.

The Twins are sending out left-hander Connor Prielipp against the powerful Padres lineup. This season, Prielipp has posted a 3-6 record, a 5.34 ERA, and has struck out 94 batters over 87⅔ innings of work. This will be a test for Prielipp, who’s struggled on the road this season, posting a 6.15 ERA in 33.2 innings of work.

The Padres are sending out right-hander Randy Vásquez, who in his last few outings has followed an opener but was listed as the starter tonight. This season, Vásquez has posted an 8-6 record, 4.30 ERA, and 71 strikeouts in 111.0 innings pitched. As a starter, Vásquez has been more dominant this season than as a reliever, with opponents owning a .772 average against him.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. CT at Petco Park.

Minnesota Twins Starting Lineup

Minnesota Twins right fielder Luke Keaschall (15) reacts after hitting a single. Credit: Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

1. Luke Keaschall — RF
2. Byron Buxton — CF
3. Josh Bell — DH
4. Ryan Jeffers — C
5. Kody Clemens — 2B
6. Royce Lewis — 1B
7. Trevor Larnach — LF
8. Brooks Lee — 3B
9. Kaelen Culpepper — SS

Lineup Notes

• Ryan Jeffers returns to the Twins lineup tonight behind the plate.
• Luke Keaschall leads off once again, this time against a right-handed pitcher.

3 Matchups to Watch

Connor Preelip vs. Fernando Tatis Jr.

In August, Fernando Tatis Jr. posted a 160 wRC+. This season, Prelipp has had better numbers against right-handed batters than lefties, but righties are still posting a 100 OPS+ against him. Tatis Jr. has been hitting like a superstar for a couple of months now, and as the leadoff hitter for the Padres and arguably their hottest bat, this matchup will be a key one for Prelipp.

Kody Clemens vs. Randy Vásquez

The best thing for the Twins would be for Kody Clemens to get hot. In the three games against the Braves, he certainly looked better than he did earlier in the month, posting a 1.046 OPS and an on-base percentage of .500. If Clemens can bring his heating-up bat to San Diego, it could be a significant deal for the Twins' lineup going against one of the best pitching staffs in the sport.

Josh Bell vs. Randy Vásquez

Josh Bell has been hot in the month of August, posting a 193 wRC+, good for the highest on the team. Randy Vásquez is expected to be the bulk pitcher for the Padres tonight, and only one batter in the Twins lineup has faced him—Josh Bell. In his two at-bats, Bell has a solo home run. For the Twins to win the game, Bell will likely need to be a big bat offensively.