Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Minnesota Twins second baseman Edouard Julien isn't known for his power, but he hit a leadoff home run to set the tone for the Twins in their 11-1 romp over the Guardians in Cleveland on Monday night. He finished the game just 1-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, but his one hit was a big one. Julien hit the first pitch of the game from Gavin Williams over the center field fence for his second long ball of the season. The 25-year-old is hitting .213 on the season with a .296 wOBA, two home runs, eight runs scored, eight RBI, and 10 walks. He has hit leadoff in his last 12 starts, but could get crowded out of playing time when Royce Lewis (hamstring) returns from his rehab assignment.

Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers had a big day in an 11-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. Jeffers went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, a homer, two runs, and three RBI in the lopsided win. The veteran backstop ripped a two-run homer in the eighth inning, a shot that traveled 412 feet with an exit velocity of 102.3 MPH. Jeffers is now hitting .257 with seven doubles, one homer, seven runs, and 10 RBI across 74 at-bats this season. He hit 21 homers in 2024, so there is some power in his bat, making him a decent fantasy option at the catcher position.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober continued to turn things around in Monday's 11-1 win over the Guardians. Ober pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing one run on eight hits and no walks with two strikeouts. The 29-year-old managed just 6 2/3 IP combined in his first two starts, but he has turned in four consecutive quality starts since. Ober is now 3-1 with a 4.13 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP, and a 6.89 K/9 rate in 32 2/3 IP. His peripherals are still relatively bloated, but he has looked much better since his disastrous first start. He will look to extend his quality start streak in his next start, which will be a tough matchup at the Red Sox.

MinnesotaTwins pitching prospect Zebby Matthews lasted 4 2/3 innings in his latest start on Sunday for Triple-A St. Paul, and although he allowed only two runs and two hits while striking out five, he was uncharacteristically erratic, walking four batters and throwing two wild pitches. The righty had just three walks total over his previous four starts heading into Sunday and owns a pristine 3.2 percent walk rate during his minor-league career. Hopefully the lack of control was a one-game hiccup that he can shake off in his next start. With a 1.93 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and a 23.4 percent K-BB%, the 6-foot-5 hurler is once again standing on the doorstep to the majors after making nine starts for the club last season. He's expected to get the call within the next month or so, and although he isn't a must-stash, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider him as a waiver-wire pickup whenever he's recalled.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Matt Wallner (hamstring) could miss most of May due to his left hamstring strain. Team president Derek Falvey noted that the severity of his injury could keep him sidelined for the upcoming month. Wallner exited their contest on April 15 with this injury and was then placed on the 10-day injured list. Before his injury, Wallner was enjoying a solid start to the campaign, holding a .263/.373/.474 slash line with five doubles, two triples, and one home run. Under the hood, the 27-year-old has generated a .351 xwOBA with an elite 76.5 mph bat speed, which are both above the average marks. In addition, Wallner has also drawn walks at an impressive 13.4 percent rate. While he remains sidelined, Trevor Larnach and DeShawn Keirsey should see time in right field.