The Minnesota Twins return to Target Field on Saturday, July 25, for a 7:10 PM ET showdown against the Athletics. Oakland sends right-hander Mason Barnett to the mound, while Minnesota's starter has yet to be announced. With the second half of the season in full swing, every game at home carries real weight for a Twins club looking to make its mark in the AL Central. Catch the game on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive or tune in locally on WCCO 830 AM.

Minnesota Twins vs. Athletics: Starting Pitchers

The biggest storyline heading into Saturday's game is the pitching matchup — or rather, the half of it we know. The Athletics will roll out Mason Barnett, a young arm who has been working his way into Oakland's rotation. Season stats for Barnett are not yet available in full, but he represents the kind of developing pitcher the Twins' lineup should be looking to test early and often.

Minnesota has not yet confirmed a starting pitcher for this contest. That uncertainty is worth monitoring as first pitch approaches. Whoever the Twins hand the ball to will need to keep the Athletics' offense in check in what figures to be a competitive game at a ballpark that rewards quality pitching.

Twins Lineup at Target Field

Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli is sending out a recognizable lineup at Target Field. Here is how the Twins are set to bat Saturday night:

• 1. Trevor Larnach, LF
• 2. Byron Buxton, CF
• 3. Kody Clemens, 2B
• 4. Josh Bell, DH
• 5. Royce Lewis, 1B
• 6. Victor Caratini, C
• 7. Alan Roden, RF
• 8. Brooks Lee, 3B
• 9. Ryan Kreidler, SS

Byron Buxton batting second keeps one of the most electric athletes in the American League in a high-visibility spot. When Buxton is healthy and engaged, he changes the tempo of an entire game — at the plate, on the bases, and in center field at Target Field. Royce Lewis slotting in at first base and hitting fifth adds a potent bat in the middle of the order. The Twins will need production from Lewis and Josh Bell in the cleanup spot if they want to put crooked numbers on the board against Barnett.

Keys to Watch: Twins vs. Athletics

• Minnesota's starter announcement: The identity of the Twins' pitcher will define how this game is previewed and played. Watch for the confirmation before first pitch.
• Buxton's impact: A healthy Byron Buxton in center field at Target Field is a genuine difference-maker. His ability to get on base and create havoc on the basepaths sets the table for the middle of the order.
• Testing Barnett early: The Twins should look to work counts against the young Oakland arm and force him to throw strikes. Getting Barnett into trouble in the first two or three innings would be the ideal outcome.
• Brooks Lee's development: The former first-round pick continues to get regular at-bats at third base. His performance in the eight-hole is something worth tracking as he develops at the big-league level.

Prediction: Twins Win at Home

The Twins have a lineup capable of doing damage against a pitcher whose full-season track record is still being established. Home field at Target Field is a genuine advantage, and with Buxton and Lewis in the lineup, Minnesota has the firepower to get the job done. Until the Twins' starting pitcher is confirmed, there is real uncertainty on the pitching side — but give the edge to Minnesota at home. Twins win, 5–3.