The Twins held All-Star centerfielder Byron Buxton out of the starting lineup on Thursday against the Cubs due to a bruised left hand that is not expected keep him out of action for long.

Minnesota made a left-handed switch in its relief corps, as the club continues searching for stability out of the bullpen.

It feels like it’s been a while since the Minnesota Twins entered the All-Star break riding a wave of momentum — but in 2025 they are working to flip that script. Today, they’ll look to complete a three-game sweep of the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs in a 12:10 p.m. matinee at Target Field.

Athletics slugger Brent Rooker became the latest entrant in the forthcoming Home Run Derby on Thursday. Just one spot remains vacant in the eight-player field. Rooker, 30, has hit .270/.346/.489 (130 OPS+) with 19 home runs in his first 94 games this season.

After being hit by a pitch on Wednesday night at Target Field and leaving the game with a left hand contusion, star center fielder Byron Buxton was not in the starting lineup for the Twins in the series finale against the Chicago Cubs.

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Preview the July 9 matchup between the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

I’m sure you remember the days when the Cubs were scoring in double figures and smashing home run after home run. It feels like a very, very long tima ago... but as you know, what I’m describing happened just last weekend against the Cardinals,