The red-hot Cleveland Guardians head to Target Field to face the Minnesota Twins tonight to open a three-game series.

Cleveland has won seven straight, climbing to within 1.5 games of the Boston Red Sox for the third spot in the AL Wild Card race. They are also just 3.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central after sweeping them earlier this week.

Importantly, the Guardians have another three-game set with Detroit next week, giving them a chance to seize control over the division — if they take this series from Minnesota.

Pitching has been the driving force behind Cleveland’s late-season surge. The Guardians own the best staff ERA in MLB this September at 2.38, paired with a 13–4 record. Rookie left-hander Parker Messick, called up in August, has been a revelation. He enters tonight 3–0 with a 1.84 ERA over five starts, allowing one run or fewer in four of those outings.

Pablo López gets the start for the Twins. He’s been sharp since returning from the injured list this month. He has allowed only two runs across 11 innings in his last two starts, posting a 2.64 ERA on the season.

Prediction

Expect Cleveland’s pitching to continue to set the tone with Messick delivering another solid start, and the Guardians’ bullpen holding firm.

Prediction: Guardians 4, Twins 2

Starting Lineups

Cleveland Guardians

1. Steven Kwan — LF

2. Angel Martínez — CF

3. José Ramírez — 3B

4. Kyle Manzardo — 1B

5. Bo Naylor — C

6. Gabriel Arias — SS

7. George Valera — DH

8. CJ Kayfus — RF

9. Brayan Rocchio — 2B

Minnesota Twins

1. Byron Buxton — CF

2. Austin Martin — LF

3. Luke Keaschall — 2B

4. Brooks Lee — SS

5. Royce Lewis — 3B

6. Kody Clemens — 1B

7. Carson McCusker — DH

8. Jhonny Pereda — C

9. James Outman — RF

How to Watch Guardians vs. Twins

First pitch for tonight’s game between the Guardians and Twins is set for 8:10 PM Eastern / 7:10 PM Central at Target Field in Minneapolis.

The game airs live on Guardians.TV and Twins.TV. Out-of-market viewers can stream it on MLB.TV.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025

First Pitch: 8:10 PM Eastern / 7:10 PM Central

Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN

TV: Guardians.TV and Twins.TV

Streaming: MLB.TV