The Minnesota Twins have found an unexpected catalyst in Kody Clemens, whose recent arrival has energized the team during a crucial stretch of the season. Since joining the Twins on April 26, Clemens has played a pivotal role in raising team performance as they prepare for a three-game road series against the Seattle Mariners starting Friday. His emergence as a key contributor has significantly impacted the club’s offensive lineup and helped fuel an impressive 13-game winning streak in May.
Correa Praises Clemens’ Impact on the Team’s Success
Shortstop Carlos Correa, a veteran familiar with MVP-caliber teammates from his time with the Houston Astros, singled out Clemens as the Twins’ most valuable player since his arrival. Correa attributed the team’s offensive boost to Clemens’ timely hitting and power. Clemens has hit .304 with five home runs, 12 RBIs, and an exceptional 1.087 OPS across 22 games with Minnesota, providing the spark the lineup needed deeply in the heart of the season.
He’s our most valuable player, man,
Correa said.
He came in, and all he’s done ever since he came in is just hit and hit for power, which is exactly what we needed in this lineup.
—Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins shortstop
Versatility and Key Performances Boosting the Twins
Clemens’ value extends beyond his bat as he has adapted to multiple defensive positions, including first base, second base, and all three outfield spots, demonstrating remarkable versatility for the 29-year-old. Notably, Clemens homered and made a highlight-reel diving catch in right field during a 4-2 victory over Tampa Bay, witnessed by his father Roger Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner. This flexibility allows manager Rocco Baldelli to keep Clemens’ bat consistently in the lineup as the team looks toward reintegrating outfielders Byron Buxton, Harrison Bader, and Matt Wallner, all on the mend from injuries.
It’s crazy when you give a guy a fresh breath of air, a new team, a new environment, and he comes in and learns how the dynamic works and then steps up and performs as well as he has,
said Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers.
He’s stepped up in huge spots for us and delivered. I think he’s a really good player, but he just hasn’t really gotten the opportunity to find his groove. It seems like he’s starting to do that here.
—Ryan Jeffers, Minnesota Twins catcher
He’s won games for us, Baldelli remarked, emphasizing Clemens’ emerging influence on the team’s overall success.
Challenges Ahead as Seattle Mariners Struggle
The Twins will face a Seattle Mariners team that has stumbled recently after leading the American League West for much of the season. The Mariners have dropped five of their last seven games, shrinking their division lead over Houston to just half a game. This downturn echoes Seattle’s previous season, where a strong early advantage evaporated by mid-summer.
The Mariners recently suffered a lopsided 9-3 loss in extra innings to the Washington Nationals, which followed a 9-0 defeat. Mariners manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the difficulty of such losses but praised his team’s effort until the final moments. Additionally, Seattle’s star center fielder Julio Rodriguez sustained a hit by pitch on his right hand but remained in the game; his condition will be monitored before the series opener.
It’s always tough to lose it in extra innings,
Wilson said.
It was a good ballgame. Our guys really, really fought to the end. … (The Nationals) were able to break it open late, and that was the difference.
—Dan Wilson, Seattle Mariners manager
He seemed OK,
Wilson noted of Rodriguez’s injury.
We’ll obviously check it (Friday). … He was able to at least get through this one, and we’ll see what happens in the morning.
—Dan Wilson, Seattle Mariners manager
Series Opener Spotlight: Pitching Matchup and Previous Outcomes
The Twins will send right-hander Zebby Matthews to the mound for Friday’s first game against Seattle’s Bryan Woo, another righty. Matthews, who has struggled early with a 7.71 ERA and has not pitched beyond four innings in his two starts this year, will face the Mariners for the first time. Conversely, Woo holds a solid 5-2 record with a 2.69 ERA, though he endured a tough loss in his last outing despite allowing no earned runs. In that game, unearned runs led to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Houston.
The Twins previously bested Woo on July 18, 2023, breaking through with seven runs in a shortened 3 1/3 innings. This memory adds to Minnesota’s confidence as they look to continue their strong May form and close the gap on the American League Central-leading Detroit Tigers.
Outlook: Clemens’ Rise and Twins’ Pursuit of Division Success
Kody Clemens’ unexpected breakout has provided both a timely boost and hope for the Minnesota Twins as they solidify their position in the AL Central race. His continued contributions, combined with the potential return of key injured outfielders, set the stage for a potent lineup facing a Seattle Mariners squad attempting to halt its own decline. How Clemens and the Twins navigate this pivotal road series against Seattle will likely shape momentum heading into the season’s crucial summer stretch.