Toronto exploded for offense in a wild 9-8 win over Minnesota, riding a late eighth-inning surge to erase a two-run deficit. Addison Barger lined a two-run double off the wall to cap the Blue Jays’ three-run frame, sealing the comeback. Byron Buxton supplied the power for the Twins with two leadoff homers in a multi-homer night, while Minnesota showcased speed with a season-high five steals and nine players collecting a hit.

Fantasy angles center on Barger's breakout moment for Toronto, Buxton’s multi-homer game as a regular-starter run-producing option, and a Jays lineup that leaned on depth and timely hitting down the stretch. The Twins head home with a tough loss after a road trip that featured crisp at-bats, aggressive baserunning, and a result that underscores the high variance of late-season baseball.

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.

Royce Lewis is battling a troubling hitless streak, entering Saturday's game with an 0-for-10 start to the season and extending back to an 0-for-31 record dating to 2024. After recovering from a six-week stint on the injured list due to a hamstring strain, Lewis is focused on his effort and attitude rather than statistics. Manager Rocco Baldelli is optimistic about Lewis’s progress, noting his determination to find his timing and swing.

Despite the slump, Lewis remains confident in his abilities, declaring he will continue to approach every at-bat with the belief he can contribute positively to the team. The Twins are also dealing with other slumps, with teammate Edouard Julien recently breaking an 0-for-30 streak. The pressure on Lewis to perform is palpable, yet his mindset emphasizes resilience, a crucial attribute in the competitive MLB environment.

Edouard Julien is determined to bounce back from a challenging sophomore season in the majors, where he struggled with a .199 batting average and was demoted to Triple-A multiple times. His renewed mindset focuses on maintaining confidence despite the inevitable slumps, emphasizing the quality of contact over mere statistics. Since being reinstated as the leadoff hitter by manager Rocco Baldelli, Julien believes his improved approach is evident, including hitting breaking balls better than last year.

The Minnesota Twins, currently facing a tough start to the season, look to Julien and his teammates to capitalize on upcoming matchups against teams like the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels. Julien recalls past success against softer opponents, which could provide a crucial opportunity for the Twins to right the ship and improve their record.

Edouard Julien's recent performance has marked a significant turnaround for the Minnesota Twins. After struggling last season with a .199 batting average and .616 OPS, he has shown remarkable growth, particularly against off-speed pitches, leading to his recent promotion to the leadoff spot in the lineup. His ability to adjust his swing and improve his mental approach has yielded positive results, including multi-hit games against teams like the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers.

Manager Rocco Baldelli has praised Julien for his swing adjustments and mental fortitude, noting he is now better prepared to handle the plate and capitalize on pitches. With eight hits in his last six games, including three extra-base hits, Julien is not only gaining confidence but also demonstrating resilience, viewing hard-hit balls as personal victories, regardless of the outcomes.