The defending American League Champion Houston Astros (78-45) will host the Minnesota Twins (62-58) in the second game of a three-game series on Wednesday. The Astros swept the Twins in three games in Minnesota back in May, outscoring them 21-3 in that series. While the Astros are in control in the American League West, the Twins are fighting for their postseason lives.
This preview was published before the completion of Tuesday's series opener.
The American League Central is there for the taking, but the up-and-down Twins are currently on the outside looking in. Minnesota is second in the division, two games behind Cleveland and one game ahead of Chicago. In the wild-card chase, the Twins are currently the second team out, three games out of one of the three available spots. After winning four straight games, the Twins dropped three consecutive games against the Texas Rangers, despite being favored in each contest. The Minnesota offense will hope the Houston weather can heat up their offense, as they have only been able to generate 10 total runs in their last five games.
Tonight we welcome back an Astros legend. pic.twitter.com/iR1Uyh6lnI
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 23, 2022
Beyond the Twins fighting the AL Central crown, Carlos Correa's return to Minute Maid Park is a story in this series. Correa played for the Astros from 2015-2021 and is third on the team with a 3.3 WAR this season to go along with 14 home runs and 39 RBI. When the Astros came to Minnesota back in May Correa was injured and did not participate in the series.
The Twins' top slugger Byron Buxton (.224 AVG, 28 HR, 51 RBI) is scheduled to get an MRI on a sore right hip and was ruled out for Tuesday. His status for Wednesday is something to monitor.
Dylan Bundy is scheduled to make the start on Wednesday. The 29-year old right hander has struggled outside of Minnesota, with a 3-4 record and 4.83 ERA in 13 road starts.