Roger Clemens spoke to Minnesota’s pitching staff, imparting unflinching confidence and the idea that their best stuff can top any hitter. His artwork of belief taps into Kody Clemens’ long-running mentorship, a storyline that threads through the Twins’ clubhouse as the team inches toward critical series play.

Buxton shifted from leadoff to a higher-leverage spot, a move Baldelli described as an effort to weave in-base opportunities in front of him. In 58 leadoff games, Buxton slashed .295 with a .982 OPS, and his willingness to adapt hints at a team-wide focus on maximizing offense even when the club hasn’t piled up runs consistently. The Twins’ Thursday matchup features Bailey Ober squaring off with Tarik Skubal, a marquee AL showdown that could tilt fantasy lines. Chris Paddack’s return angle adds another chapter as Minnesota eyes more rotation stability.