Twins squander a late lead as Detroit walks off in 11 innings at Target Field. Tarik Skubal delivers a sturdy start, but Minnesota strings together a three-run third inning behind a multi-hit barrage from Edouard Julien, Austin Martin, and Byron Buxton. The Twins’ bullpen holds Detroit to a late single and a sac fly until the 11th, when Colt Keith scores the automatic runner on a Gleyber Torres fly ball for the winner. Minnesota’s offensive pulse fades after the third, failing to plate the winning run in the 10th despite Roden advancing via a successful sac bunt and a pair of squeeze attempts by Martin. The Tigers rally on Riley Greene’s two-run homer and a later RBI from Keith, then cap it with a 11th-inning win behind a precise approach and opportunistic baserunning. For fantasy managers, Julien’s lefty success against Skubal stands out, while Detroit’s middle of the order provides a spike scenario in upcoming matchups against right-handed starters.

Luke Keaschall’s 11th-inning, two-run blast capped a dramatic 5-3 walk-off win for Minnesota over Kansas City at Target Field, pushing his rookie hot streak to 11 straight games with a 12th game on base. Austin Martin’s eighth-inning triple and Ryan Jeffers’ RBI single framed the late rally that erased a tie in the eighth. The win snapped a skid against divisional rivals and kept Minnesota rolling, while Kansas City watched a two-run shot by Vinnie Pasquantino loom large early but fall short. Reliever Michael Tonkin earned the win after two scoreless frames with an automatic runner on second base, and the night also marked Ryan Fitzgerald’s first major league hit—a two-run homer that briefly sparked Minnesota’s advantage.

For fantasy players, Keaschall’s breakout is the headline, but the Twins’ late-inning depth also matters: Jeffers’ hot streak and Fitzgerald’s first MLB homer add streaming & keeper appeal, while the bullpen’s ability to navigate jammed innings bodes well for late-inning workhorses in real-life and fantasy formats alike. Royals’ offense stalled after Pasquantino’s early impact, and Ureña’s early control issues contrasted with a healthier Twins bullpen run. The result: Minnesota climbs in the standings as it continues to lean on its rookie wave.

As the MLB season approaches its critical stretch, fantasy managers must optimize their rosters ahead of the playoffs. This week, several undervalued players can be targeted for FAAB bids, especially with a focus on Thursday leagues. Pitchers like Cade Horton and Aaron Civale have shown strong recent performances, while relief options such as JoJo Romero and Calvin Faucher have stepped into prominent roles, enhancing their fantasy value.

Players like Andrew Vaughn are on a hitting streak, indicating that they could provide consistent production down the line. The trade deadline may have passed, but impactful pickups remain available, making it essential to keep an eye on player trends and matchups to bolster teams for the upcoming playoffs.

Chris Paddack faced his former team, the Minnesota Twins, during a disappointing outing for the Detroit Tigers, culminating in a 6-3 loss. Paddack, who was recently acquired by the Tigers, struggled on the mound, allowing four runs in just four innings. His performance was marred by a shaky start, giving up three runs in the first inning due to a misplay by center fielder Matt Vierling.

The Twins capitalized on Paddack’s mistakes, notably with Trevor Larnach’s home run that added to their lead. The Tigers' offense was largely ineffective until late in the game, scoring on a couple of doubles and a two-run triple by Jahmai Jones in the eighth inning, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback.