Buxton opened the game with a career-high 30th homer, fueling a 5-1 Twins win that snapped a six-game skid with Kansas City. The blast helped Minnesota set up a chance to post back-to-back wins in Anaheim, their first since early August. Kody Clemens followed with a towering two-run shot, the longest of his career, as Bailey Ober finally earned a victory for the Twins after a long drought. The win also featured Royals miscues that padded the final score.

Buxton’s milestone, paired with 21 steals on the season, underscores a standout campaign even as he battles baserunning fatigue and a bruised knee after a fifth-inning hit-by-pitch. The Twins leaned on timely hits and a mistake-prone Royals squad to pull away, while Minnesota’s leadoff batting order supplied added lift. The win adds momentum to a September that could still hold big things for fantasy managers who ride Buxton and the Twins’ top lineup.

Pablo López returned from a three‑ month shoulder injury to six solid innings, surrendering two runs on Maikel García’s homer, but Kansas City edged Minnesota 2-1. López punched out three and fired 92 pitches, a welcomed jolt to a Twins rotation that has lost its footing since the setback.

The emotional lift in the clubhouse was palpable as López took the mound, suggesting a possible turnaround for Minnesota’s pitching staff down the stretch. Minnesota’s offense stagnated again, while KC’s Michael Wacha delivered six strong innings to seal the win, with García’s timely swing delivering the decisive blow.

Jeffers’ concussion concerns keep him out as the Twins monitor his status. Pereda was recalled to back up Mickey Gasper, with Keaschall returning to form and adding depth in the infield. Keaschall has hit .320 with an .896 OPS over the past month, signaling a strong comeback from his forearm injury. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was optioned to make room for Pereda and Pablo López, while Noah Davis was outrighted.

Rosters shifting behind the scenes underscore Twins’ depth at catcher and Keaschall’s continued value as a heat-seeking bat in the middle infield. Fantasy managers should note Pereda’s AAA numbers (.294/.948 OPS) and the improvisational approach Baldelli is taking at the catcher spot while Jeffers heals.

The Minnesota Twins have placed catcher Christian Vázquez on the 10-day injured list due to left shoulder inflammation, retroactive to Wednesday. Vázquez has struggled this season, hitting only .174 with two home runs in 61 games. To fill the gap, the Twins have called up Jhonny Pereda from St. Paul, who has performed well in the minors. This comes as the Twins gear up for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field.

The Royals enter the series with a record of 57-58, holding a slight lead over the Twins in the AL Central. Salvador Perez has been a key player, maintaining a hot streak with 15 hits in his last 18 games, while new acquisition Mike Yastrzemski is making an impact as well. Meanwhile, the Twins return home after a balanced road trip, with Ryan Jeffers performing impressively, currently on a nine-game hitting streak.