Twins Seek Series Split: Kremer on the Bump, Lineup Locked for Game 2 in San Diego

Well, here we are again. After a rather deflating 6-2 loss in Game 1 to the San Diego Padres, the Minnesota Twins are set to square off once more tonight at Petco Park, aiming for a much-needed bounce-back. The sting of that first game is still fresh, but baseball, bless its heart, offers a fresh slate almost immediately.

Taking the mound for the Twins in this pivotal Game 2 will be right-hander Dean Kremer. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for Kremer this season, really, as his 2-4 record and 5.40 ERA over 53⅓ innings pitched — split between his time with the Orioles and now the Twins — don’t paint the prettiest picture. He's also managed 53 strikeouts, which is something. However, here's a glimmer of hope: his career ERA against these very Padres stands at a respectable 3.00, even if his record against them is 0-2. This will be his fourth start in a Twins uniform and only his second career outing against San Diego, so perhaps he’s due for a standout performance in a new setting.

Across the diamond, the Padres will counter with their own right-hander, Casey Mize. He's certainly had a more consistent 2026 campaign, boasting a 5-8 record with a solid 3.18 ERA through 102 innings, striking out 95 batters along the way. Interestingly, Mize previously faced the Twins during his tenure with the Tigers, holding a career ERA of 5.34 against them over 60⅔ innings. Could that historical context play a factor tonight, perhaps giving the Twins’ bats a slight mental edge?

Manager Rocco Baldelli has unveiled his chosen nine, looking for the right combination to spark some much-needed offense after Game 1. Here’s how the Minnesota Twins are lining up for Game 2:

• Luke Keaschall — RF
• Byron Buxton — CF
• Josh Bell — DH
• Ryan Jeffers — C
• Kody Clemens — 2B
• Royce Lewis — 1B
• Trevor Larnach — LF
• Brooks Lee — 3B
• Kaelen Culpepper — SS

When it comes to individual battles to watch, a familiar foe for Kremer stands out: Padres infielder Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts has historically found some success against Kremer, sporting an .817 OPS and three RBIs in their 14 career matchups. Kremer will certainly need to be sharp and execute his pitches against him, especially in crucial spots.

But it’s not all one-sided. On the Twins’ offensive side, a couple of key hitters have really thrived against Casey Mize in the past. Byron Buxton, for instance, has a stellar 1.087 career OPS, two home runs, and four RBIs in 23 at-bats against Mize. Talk about a favorable matchup! Trevor Larnach also seems to enjoy seeing Mize on the mound, evidenced by his .968 career OPS with a home run against the Padres' starter. These are the guys who truly need to step up and make a difference tonight, leveraging their past success.

Tonight's game, with first pitch slated for 7:40 p.m. CT, is more than just another contest. It’s a chance for the Twins to even the series, regain some crucial momentum, and frankly, show the Padres they won’t be pushed around so easily. Let's hope Kremer settles in quickly and the bats, particularly those who've historically troubled Mize, come alive under the lights of Petco Park.