In their home opener against the Houston Astros, the Minnesota Twins faced early setbacks due to costly balks by pitcher Joe Ryan, leading to a 5-2 defeat. The Twins started strong with a two-run lead, powered by Matt Wallner's triple and Trevor Larnach's RBI. However, the Astros quickly responded, scoring five unanswered runs, including two home runs from Christian Walker and Jeremy Peña. Despite a promising start, the Twins struggled offensively, managing just two hits after the first inning.

The game saw 36,783 fans at Target Field, but the energy shifted when Ryan's balk allowed Astros to score, turning a tied game into a loss. Houston's Hunter Brown kept the Twins at bay, striking out eight across six innings. The Twins' early momentum was lost as the Astros capitalized on their errors, showcasing a decisive win without the help of star player José Altuve, who struck out five times.

The Chicago White Sox showcased dominance over the Minnesota Twins, winning 9-0 in an overwhelming display on Monday. The Twins, who failed to capitalize on early opportunities, faced a tough outing from pitcher Chris Paddack, who conceded all nine runs in just three innings. Manager Rocco Baldelli made the decision to pull stars Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton early, indicating the team's struggle to find rhythm in this season's opening series. While the White Sox's Martín Pérez dazzled with six no-hit innings, the Twins managed only two hits throughout the game, leaving them still searching for their first win of the year.

This loss marks the Twins' fourth straight, with their offensive woes becoming apparent as they have scored only six runs across the four games. Paddack noted the White Sox's impressive at-bats, which forced him into consistent mistakes. Baldelli urged collective improvement as the team must quickly adjust to avoid a prolonged slump.

Carlos Correa, the Minnesota Twins shortstop, has expressed skepticism regarding the newly popular 'torpedo bats' that gained attention following the New York Yankees' record-setting performance against the Milwaukee Brewers, where they hit nine home runs. Although Correa tried the bat during spring training, he remains unconvinced of its effectiveness, emphasizing the need for more data before making a permanent switch.

Unlike conventional bats, the 'torpedo bat' features a barrel positioned closer to the handle, which alters the dynamics of hitting. While it might offer advantages against inside pitches, Correa notes it can be challenging against pitches running away from the hitter. Meanwhile, fellow Twins player Ryan Jeffers has experimented with the bat, yet has chosen to remain tight-lipped about his experience.

In other news, Chris Paddack is gearing up for his first game back on the mound after a lengthy recovery from surgery. He’s been training rigorously to ensure he’s game-ready, adapting his routine to prevent stiffness and arm fatigue. He's optimistic about his comeback, indicating he's feeling better than in years.

Mickey Gasper finally reached a significant milestone on Saturday, recording his first Major League hit after a long journey, including 23 plate appearances last season without a hit. His effort came in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, albeit in a losing effort for the Minnesota Twins. Gasper, who has a minor league batting average of .275, expressed his relief and excitement, crediting his family for their unwavering support throughout his career. Despite his milestone, the Twins struggled offensively, with the top of their order failing to produce early runs.

In contrast to Gasper's breakthrough, the Twins' trio of Matt Wallner, Carlos Correa, and Byron Buxton went a combined 0 for 23 in the season's early games. Manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the need for these hitters to maintain their approach despite not finding immediate success.

The Minnesota Twins have finalized their 2025 Opening Day roster, showcasing a mix of returning talent and new names. Key contributors include first baseman Ty France, who is looking to rebound after a successful All-Star season in 2022, and Willi Castro, the team MVP from the previous year. Castro's versatility was evident as he played multiple positions last season.

Star shortstop Carlos Correa is back, despite injury concerns limiting him to 86 games last season while still posting a solid OPS. Fellow infielder José Miranda aims to recover from a dramatic second-half slump. The outfield positions have strong contenders, including Byron Buxton, who finally played over 100 games last season, and Trevor Larnach, who showed promise with 15 home runs in 2024. In the pitching lineup, Pablo López leads the rotation, supported by the emerging talents of Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, alongside established closer Jhoan Duran.