MN Twins Shock Rival with Last-Second Walk-Off, Reigniting AL Central Playoff Push

Los Angeles — The Minnesota Twins snatched an 8-7 thriller from the Dodgers late Tuesday, riding a three-run blast by Royce Lewis and a shutdown ninth from closer Jhoan Durán to secure their third straight victory and inch closer in the crowded American League Central race. The win sets the tone for a pivotal stretch as the July 31 trade deadline looms. Club officials say they remain active in talks for bullpen help, yet internal reinforcements could prove just as impactful. Right-hander Zebby Matthews (elbow), versatile infielder Luke Keaschall (wrist) and starter Bailey Ober (lat) are all expected back within the next week, effectively giving Minnesota “three deadline pickups without surrendering prospect capital”. To clear a 40-man roster spot for the impending returns, the front office designated catcher Jair Camargo for assignment on Monday. The move signals confidence in Christian Vázquez and Ryan Jeffers to handle an already-surging pitching staff that owns the AL’s second-best ERA since June 1. There was more good news earlier in the week: ace Joe Ryan earned his second straight All-Star selection, joining shortstop Carlos Correa as Minnesota’s representatives in Arlington next month. Ryan (11-4, 3.12 ERA) is scheduled to start Friday’s homestand opener versus Seattle, a series that kicks off 10 of the Twins’ next 13 games at Target Field. With Byron Buxton’s legs finally healthy, Lewis anchoring the infield, and a wave of rehabbing arms on the cusp of returning, Minnesota suddenly looks deeper than it has all season. If president of baseball operations Derek Falvey lands one more late-inning reliever before the deadline, the Twins could emerge as favorites to capture a third consecutive AL Central crown and make noise in October.