BYRON BUXTON

The Twins unexpectedly landed their top free-agent target. But do they have enough pitching for it to matter in 2023?

The Minnesota Twins came quickly out of the gate after the lockout this spring by making three bold trades and becoming the surprise landing spot for star shortstop Carlos Correa. After their tumble down the stretch pushed them out of contention in the AL Central and stuck them with an 78-84 record, a mere five-game improvement from 2021, the Twins trudge toward winter facing one of the same big questions as last year. Should they go shopping for Correa?

Minnesota rookie Joe Ryan and reliever Jovani Moran combined to pitch no-hit ball until Bobby Witt Jr. doubled with one out in the ninth inning as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3.

Justin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correa’s return to Houston.

The Seattle Mariners’ postseason drought has stretched on for two decades.

David Ortiz will certainly hear loud chants of “Big Papi!”.

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will start for the National League on Tuesday night in the first All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium since 1980, and Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan will be on the mound for the American League.

Dylan Cease spun a one-hitter over seven innings in his latest masterful start for the Chicago White Sox in an 11-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

DJ LeMahieu capped his 34th birthday by sliding across the plate on Alexis Díaz’s second straight wild pitch in the 10th inning, and the New York Yankees rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6 and stop a three-game losing streak.

There were 15 MLB players who signed new contracts worth $100 million or more before this season.

Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.

Twins White Sox Baseball Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton celebrates while looking at teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Monday, July 4, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) (Paul Beaty)CHICAGO — (AP) — Luis Arraez had three hits, including a tiebreaking RBI single in Minnesota's four-run 10th inning, and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3 on Monday night. Manager Tony La Russa was thrown out by plate umpire David Rackley as the 10th inning fell apart for the White Sox. The White Sox talked to Major League Baseball about postponing the game, but it went on as scheduled. The White Sox (38-40), who played the first of 19 consecutive games against AL Central opponents, had won three in a row.

Luis Arraez had three hits, including a tiebreaking RBI single in Minnesota’s four-run 10th inning, and the Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3.

Josh Naylor hit a two-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, completing a four-run rally that gave the Cleveland Guardians a 7-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Guardians Twins Baseball Minnesota Twins' Nick Gordon (1) gets a high-five from Ryan Jeffers after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians pitcher Zach Plesac during the third inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 23, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig) (Craig Lassig)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Nick Gordon hit a third-inning home run that stood up for Minnesota starter Devin Smeltzer, and the Twins dodged a sweep, cooling off the Cleveland Guardians with a 1-0 win on Thursday. The Guardians (36-29) lead by percentage points in the AL Central race, having played six fewer games than the Twins (39-32). UP NEXTGuardians: RHP Cal Quantrill (4-4, 3.77 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-game series against Boston on Friday night. RHP Nick Pivetta (7-5, 3.31) starts for the Red Sox.

The Minnesota Twins dodged a sweep by cooling off the Cleveland Guardians in a 1-0 win.

Philadelphia slugger Bryce Harper could return to the lineup Wednesday for the finale of a two-game series at Texas after an infected blister on his left index finger sidelined him for two games last weekend at Washington.

Yankees Twins Baseball Minnesota Twins' Luis Arraez jogs home on a solo home run off New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, left, during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Minneapolis. Arraez started the onslaught on a 2-2 changeup, hitting a tying drive 396 feet into the right-field seats for his second home run this season. Buxton drove the next pitch, a hanging slider, 422 deep into the left-field upper deck for his 14th homer. Correa fouled off a pitch, then pulled a cutter 413 feet into the left-field lower deck for his fourth homer and a 3-1 lead. After Joey Gallo tied the score with a two-run homer in the second against Dylan Bundy.

Minnesota’s Luis Arraez, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa became the seventh trio of teammates to open a game with three straight home runs, starting a barrage of five long balls in 2 1/3 innings against New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole.

Twins Tigers Baseball Detroit Tigers' Daz Cameron connects for a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Thursday, June 2, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio)DETROIT — (AP) — The Detroit Tigers are suddenly playing like the relevant team they were expected to be after aggressively making moves in the offseason. Daz Cameron hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning and the surging Tigers held on to beat the slumping Minnesota Twins 3-2 Thursday. Cameron's 416-foot shot to left-center off Emilio Pagan (1-2) scored Eric Haase, who hit a one-out single for the Tigers. Tigers: Hit the road for a three-game set with the New York Yankees on Friday night with Detroit RHP Elvin Rodriguez (0-0, 6.17) and New York RHP Gerrit Cole (4-1, 3.12) scheduled to pitch.

Noah Syndergaard pitches in New York for the first time since leaving the Mets during the offseason, starting the Los Angeles Angels’ series opener at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.

Reds Pirates Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates' Rodolfo Castro, left, celebrates as teammate Ke'Bryan Hayes (not shown) beats out a fielder's choice, allowing Castro to score from third, during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, Sunday, May 15, 2022. It marked the sixth time since 1901 that a big league team won despite not getting any hits. It last happened in 2008 when Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo of the Angels lost while holding the Dodgers hitless. By MLB record-keeping rules, Cincinnati’s accomplishment wasn’t an official no-hitter because its pitchers didn’t go at least nine innings. "(It's) the type of thing that you cannot play through and play every day,” Baldelli said.

The Pirates head to Wrigley Field seeking a slightly more convincing victory a day after beating the Reds 1-0 despite having zero hits.

Reds Pirates Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates' Rodolfo Castro, left, celebrates as teammate Ke'Bryan Hayes (not shown) beats out a fielder's choice, allowing Castro to score from third, during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, Sunday, May 15, 2022. It marked the sixth time in big league history since 1901 that a team won despite not getting any hits. It last happened in 2008 when Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo of the Angels lost while holding the Dodgers hitless. He has a .330 on-base average and a .706 slugging percentage despite missing 12 games this season because of knee trouble. ”(It’s) the type of thing that you cannot play through and play every day,” Baldelli said.

Athletics Twins Baseball Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Emilio Pagan, right, celebrates with catcher Gary Sanchez (24) after defeating the Oakland Athletics in a baseball game Sunday, May 8, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) (Stacy Bengs)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Jorge Polanco delivered another key hit and the Minnesota bullpen combined for 6 2/3 innings of shutout work as the Twins sent the Oakland Athletics to their ninth straight loss, 4-3 Sunday. Polanco, who homered in a 1-0 win Saturday night, hit two-run single in the third inning for a 4-3 lead. Twins: Bench coach Jayce Tingler said Buxton was available off the bench. Twins: Minnesota has a day off before hosting the Houston Astros for a three-game series starting Tuesday.

Jorge Polanco delivered another key hit and the Minnesota bullpen combined for 6 2/3 innings of shutout work as the Twins beat the Oakland Athletics 4-3.

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Jorge Polanco and Kyle Garlick hit early two-run homers over the Green Monster to back Dylan Bundy, carrying the Minnesota Twins past the Red Sox 8-3 in Boston’s annual Patriots’ Day game.

Braves Padres Baseball San Diego Padres' Jurickson Profar flips his bat after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in San Diego, Saturday, April 16, 2022. He'll face right-hander Bryce Elder (1-0, 4.76), making his second big league start. Turner, who led the majors in batting average (.328) and hits (195) last year, has hit safely in all eight games in 2022. Turner had three hits Saturday night, including a two-run homer that snapped a scoreless tie in the sixth inning of a 5-2 victory. BRASH STARTMariners rookie right-hander Matt Brash faces Houston for his second start after an impressive debut against the White Sox.

The Padres’ hopes of shaking off a disappointing 2021 aren’t off to a great start — San Diego has lost four of five heading into its series finale against the World Series champion Braves.

Braves Padres Baseball San Diego Padres' Jurickson Profar flips his bat after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in San Diego, Saturday, April 16, 2022. He'll face right-hander Bryce Elder (1-0, 4.76), making his second big league start. Buxton left in the first inning of Minnesota’s series-opening 8-4 win over Boston on Friday night after sliding roughly into second base. BRASH STARTMariners rookie right-hander Matt Brash faces Houston for his second start after an impressive debut against the White Sox. He struck out six over 5 1/3 innings, limiting the defending AL Central champs to two runs on four hits.

The Padres’ hopes of shaking off a disappointing 2021 aren’t off to a great start — San Diego has lost four of five heading into a series finale against the World Series champion Braves.

COVID ISSUESThe Mets are without outfielders Brandon Nimmo and Mark Canha after one of New York's coaches tested positive for COVID-19. Nimmo and Canha were added to the injured list prior to Friday's home opener against Arizona. Meanwhile, the Athletics placed outfielder Stephen Piscotty on the COVID-19 injured list and put catcher Austin Allen and left-handers A.J. To enter Canada, the Canadian government requires a person must have received a second COVID-19 vaccine dose — or one dose of Johnson & Johnson — at least 14 days prior to entry. O'S NOBaltimore left-hander John Means could be out a while after being added to the 10-day injured list with a left elbow strain.

The Twins are hoping for good news on Byron Buxton after he injured his knee Friday and was sent for an MRI.

Twins Red Sox Baseball Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton, front, reacts after being injured on his double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Friday, April 15, 2022, in Boston. Buxton was replaced in the game by Nick Gordon. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Michael Dwyer)BOSTON — (AP) — Twins star Byron Buxton left Minnesota's 8-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday with a right knee injury and will get an MRI. The Platinum Glove-winning center fielder slid late into second base for a double after Boston misplayed his popup in the first inning. His left leg appeared to get caught underneath him while his right foot slammed into the bag.

Twins star Byron Buxton left Minnesota’s 8-4 win over the Boston Red Sox with a right knee injury and will get an MRI.

Twins Red Sox Baseball Minnesota Twins' Joe Ryan pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Friday, April 15, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Michael Dwyer)BOSTON — (AP) — Miguel Sanó hit a two-run homer, rookie Joe Ryan allowed one run over six innings, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Red Sox 8-4 Friday in Boston's home opener. Trailing 6-1 in the eighth, Boston pulled within 6-4 when Kiké Hernández hit an RBI double off Jhoan Durant and Rafael Devers followed with a two-run homer. Verdugo’s second homer of the season got Boston on the board in the second. The Twins got two more runs in the fifth when Sánchez dropped in a two-run single off reliever Hirokazu Sawamura.

Miguel Sanó hit a two-run homer, rookie Joe Ryan allowed one run over six innings, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Red Sox 8-4 in Boston’s home opener.

Clayton Kershaw took a perfect game through seven innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers in his season debut before being pulled.

Clayton Kershaw took a perfect game through seven innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers in his season debut, dominating the Minnesota Twins with 13 strikeouts in 21 batters on Wednesday. Manager Dave Roberts pulled Kershaw after 80 pitches on a cold afternoon at Target Field. Alex Vesia relieved him for the eighth and gave up Minnesota's first hit, a single by Gary Sánchez.

Mariners Twins Baseball Minnesota Twins' Gary Sanchez (24) rounds to home base after hitting a grand slam against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 10, 2022, in Minneapolis. Mariners left-hander Marco Gonzales gave up three homers, just as he did in his first start of 2021, and lasted only two innings. Four of the six runs against Gonzales were unearned, thanks to a two-out fielding error in the first inning by second baseman Adam Frazier. Derided in New York for his substandard defense at catcher, Sánchez made an important play in the top of the first. The 6-foot-9 Ober allowed an RBI single to Frazier three batters before Haniger's homer, but recovered to retire seven straight.

Gary Sánchez hit a grand slam into the third deck and Carlos Correa launched his first homer for the Minnesota Twins in a 10-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Carlos Correa has declared the postseason “his time,” and the Minnesota Twins hope all that October experience can turn around the fortunes of a snake-bitten franchise.

Major League Baseball's labor negotiations had moved at a glacial pace for 11 months before a deal fell into place on March 10.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — (AP) — The Boston Red Sox wore St. Patrick's Day green for their spring debut. Baseball fans might feel luckiest of all. “I’m glad we’re finally starting," said Red Sox supporter Jeremy Porter, down from Maine for the exhibition opener. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he got a jolt Wednesday when the Twins sent over their roster card. The park held a moment of silence for him and other former Red Sox who died this offseason: Ike Delock, Jim Corsi, Jeremy Giambi and Julio Lugo.

Baseball’s bitter 99-day lockout moved a little further back in the rearview mirror when spring training games began Thursday.

Major League Baseball plunged into its first work stoppage in a quarter-century when the sport's collective bargaining agreement expired and owners immediately locked out players in a move that threatens spring training and opening day. (Dec. 2)

Major League Baseball teams committed to an unprecedented $1.4 billion in salaries Wednesday, hours before the league locked out players following the 11:59 p.m. expiration of the sport's collective bargaining agreement.

Right-hander Max Scherzer agreed to a record-setting $130 million, three-year contract with the New York Mets and shortstop Corey Seager struck a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers as players and teams rushed to reach agreements before an expected lockout.

The Minnesota Twins and center fielder Byron Buxton have agreed to a seven-year, $100 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

Twins Yankees Baseball New York Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a three-run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning of a baseball game on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, in New York. Joey Gallo hit his 33rd homer, his eighth with the Yankees, in the seventh off Tyler Duffey. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, taking issue with the calls of plate umpire Jeff Nelson, was ejected, and Colomé relieved. The Twins are 32-109 against New York since 2002, including the postseason, and have lost 21 of their last 23 games in the Bronx. Yankees: RHP Gerrit Cole (14-7, 2.78 ERA), pushed back because of left hamstring tightness, starts on six days’ rest at Baltimore and LHP Alexander Wells (1-2, 7.15 ERA).

Gary Sánchez lined a winning single in the 10th inning, and the New York Yankees overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5.

Gerrit Cole struck out Josh Donaldson with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning and got through the sixth throwing shutout ball, and the New York Yankees beat the Minnestoa Twins 7-1 for their season-high ninth straight win.

MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Patrick Sandoval had his no-hit bid broken up with one out in the ninth inning on a soft double by rookie Brent Rooker, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 Saturday night. Sandoval, a 24-year-old lefty who began the game with a 3-13 career record, struck out a career-high 13. José Berríos (7-5) allowed two unearned runs in seven innings in perhaps his final start for Minnesota. Sandoval kept the struggling Twins at bay with a combination of his sinker, changeup and slow curveball. Miguel Sanó reached base on a throwing error by shortstop José Iglesias to start the fifth, but Sandoval struck out the next three batters.

Patrick Sandoval had his no-hit bid broken up with one out in the ninth inning on a soft double by rookie Brent Rooker, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. joined his father as an All-Star and Fernando Tatis Jr. accomplished a feat his dad never achieved.

Gerrit Cole got back on track with six sharp innings, and Giancarlo Stanton hit two of the New York Yankees’ four home runs to fuel a 9-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Twins Orioles Baseball Minnesota Twins' Rob Refsnyder, left, slides across the plate as Baltimore Orioles pitcher Adam Plutko covers in the 10th inning of a baseball game Monday, May 31, 2021, in Baltimore. Refsnyder was safe, scoring the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. (AP Photo/Gail Burton) (Gail Burton)BALTIMORE — (AP) — Rob Refsnyder bounced back from a run-in with the center-field fence to score the go-ahead run in the 10th inning on a wild pitch and the Minnesota Twins handed the Baltimore Orioles their 14th straight loss, 3-2 on Monday. UP NEXTTwins: RHP Michael Pineda (3-2, 2.62 ERA) will make his second start since returning from the injured list (abscess). Orioles: LHP Bruce Zimmermann (2-3, 5.15 ERA) has not completed six innings since his second start of the season.

Rob Refsnyder bounced back from a run-in with the center-field fence to score the go-ahead run in the 10th inning on a wild pitch and the Minnesota Twins handed the Baltimore Orioles their 14th straight loss, 3-2.

Rangers Twins Baseball Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton makes a diving catch of a fly ball off the bat of Texas Rangers' David Dahl in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 4, 2021, in Minneapolis. Buxton was added to the 10-day injured list Friday with a strained right hip. VOTTO OUTReds first baseman Joey Votto could be sidelined for a month with a broken left thumb. Votto was added to the 10-day injured list Friday after being struck on the thumb with a pitch by Chicago’s Dallas Keuchel on Wednesday. Votto is not expected to need surgery, but the team expects him to be out at least three weeks and maybe more.

Rangers Twins Baseball Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton makes a diving catch of a fly ball off the bat of Texas Rangers' David Dahl in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 4, 2021, in Minneapolis. Buxton was added to the 10-day injured list Friday with a strained right hip. VOTTO OUTReds first baseman Joey Votto could be sidelined for a month with a broken left thumb. Votto was added to the 10-day injured list Friday after being struck on the thumb with a pitch by Chicago’s Dallas Keuchel on Wednesday. Votto is not expected to need surgery, but the team expects him to be out at least three weeks and maybe more.

Jordan Luplow hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning off Alex Colomé, giving the Cleveland Indians a 5-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins in their series opener.

The Oakland Athletics extended their winning streak to 11, rallying from a two-run deficit to beat the Twins 13-12 when Luis Arraez threw away Ramón Laureano’s grounder for Minnesota’s second error of the 10th inning.

Max Kepler’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning gave Minnesota a 4-3 victory over Boston, stopping a five-game losing streak for the Twins and breaking a nine-game winning string for the Red Sox.

Akil Baddoo added another big hit in this charmed start to his big league career, lining an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Detroit Tigers a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

In the first few games of the season, hot streaks are magnified — although this performance by Yermín Mercedes would have probably stood out any time.

The Nationals and Atlanta Braves hadn’t heard by Sunday evening whether Major League Baseball will allow their game while Washington deals with a COVID-19 outbreak that could prevent 11 players from participating.

Minnesota Twins right-hander José Berríos pitched six hitless innings and Taylor Rogers has the no-hit bid intact through seven against the Milwaukee Brewers, who also had a no-hitter going until Corbin Burnes’ bid was ended in the seventh by a solo homer.

A day after Tatis walked off the field during an exhibition game in a worrisome scene, the Padres said the discomfort in his left shoulder had improved. In fact he was lobbying to get in the lineup today, so I thought that was very encouraging,” Tingler said. I think everybody’s kind of expecting him to be back in the lineup in the next day or two. AdMichael Pineda was roughed up in his second start for Minnesota, surrendering five runs on nine hits in five innings. Ian Anderson went six innings in his fourth start, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk.

“I don’t even think I’ve had a 13 pitch at-bat in my career.”Hicks was scheduled to pitch one inning. Carlos Martínez worked four innings in the start for St. Louis, allowing two runs and five hits. Pittsburgh starter Steven Brault allowed three runs on five hits and a walk in three innings. YANKEES 5, BLUE JAYS 1New York starter Deivi García gave up one hit and an unearned run in three innings. Dean Kremer allowed a run on three hits, walked two and struck out four in the start for Baltimore.

The two-time AL Central champion Twins are hoping Happ can give them a veteran presence at the back of their rotation. Ian Anderson pitched two scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk. Houston piggy-backed a pair of starters with Framber Valdez yielding McNeil's homer in the first two innings, striking out two. AdBLUE JAYS 4, PHILLIES 2 (6)Steven Matz allowed a hit in two scoreless innings, striking out three without a walk. CUBS 3, ROYALS 2 (7)Outfielder Rafael Ortega, who signed a minor league deal with Chicago after playing 34 games for Atlanta last season, hit a bases-loaded triple.

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Twins and closer Taylor Rogers agreed to terms Thursday on a $6 million, one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not yet been finalized. Rogers compiled a 4.05 ERA in 21 appearances with nine saves and two blown chances during the abbreviated 60-game season. They declined Wednesday to offer 2021 contracts to left fielder Eddie Rosario and reliever Matt Wisler, making them free agents. Rogers took a step back this season after notching 30 saves with 90 strikeouts over 69 innings in 2019.

The total cut was one more than the previous high at the tender deadline, ahead of the 2004 season. Schwarber earned $2,596,296 in prorated pay from his $7.01 million salary last season but hit .188 with 11 homers in 59 games, down from 38 homers, 92 RBIs and a .250 batting average in 155 games in 2019. Schwarber returned from a serious knee injury and hit .412 with two RBIs in the 2016 World Series as the Cubs won their first championship since 1908. Fifty-nine players agreed to one-year contracts ahead of the deadline, many of them facing a threat of being cut. Minnesota reached deals with five players, including pitcher José Berríos ($500,000 signing bonus plus $5.6 million salary) and center fielder Byron Buxton ($5,125,000).