The Minnesota Twins opened their season with a disappointing series against the St. Louis Cardinals, culminating in a 5-3 loss on Opening Day and a subsequent sweep. With injuries to key players Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee, the team fielded a makeshift infield featuring Willi Castro at second, Jose Miranda at third, and Carlos Correa at shortstop. Manager Rocco Baldelli expressed confidence in Castro's defensive chemistry with Correa, though this arrangement limits at-bats for other players like Edouard Julien and Mickey Gasper.

Harrison Bader, acquired as a depth outfielder, played left field and is expected to have a significant role even when Byron Buxton returns. Despite the team's struggles, including a lackluster offensive showing with only six runs across three games, players like catcher Ryan Jeffers remain optimistic about bouncing back against the Chicago White Sox. Baldelli emphasized the importance of maintaining solid at-bats and suggested that their hard contact could soon translate to better results.