The Minnesota Twins return to Target Field on Friday, July 24, to host the Athletics in a 8:10 PM ET showdown. Zebby Matthews gets the ball for Minnesota opposite Athletics left-hander Jacob Lopez. With the regular season deep into its second half, every game carries real weight in the AL Central standings, and the Twins will be looking to take care of business in front of their home crowd. Coverage is available on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive and WCCO 830 AM.

Probable Pitchers: Zebby Matthews vs. Jacob Lopez

Matthews draws the start for the Twins, continuing to carve out his role in Minnesota's rotation. The right-handed prospect has been one of the more intriguing storylines of the Twins' season, and this is another opportunity for him to build on whatever momentum he has established. Specific ERA and win-loss figures were not available ahead of this start, but the assignment itself reflects the organization's ongoing trust in the young arm.

Lopez takes the hill for the Athletics. Like Matthews, detailed season stats were not available for this preview, but Lopez is a familiar name to AL West watchers and gives Oakland a capable arm to work with on the road. The matchup figures to be a genuine pitching duel or a game where one offense breaks through early — there is rarely a middle ground at Target Field on a warm July night.

Minnesota Twins Starting Lineup

• 1. Austin Martin, LF
• 2. Byron Buxton, CF
• 3. Ryan Jeffers, C
• 4. Josh Bell, DH
• 5. Royce Lewis, 2B
• 6. Victor Caratini, 1B
• 7. Luke Keaschall, RF
• 8. Brooks Lee, 3B
• 9. Ryan Kreidler, SS

The Athletics lineup had not been released ahead of publication.

Three Keys to Watch on Friday Night

Buxton at the Top of the Order

Byron Buxton batting second behind Austin Martin gives the Twins a dynamic top two. When Buxton is moving well and making contact, this lineup flows. His ability to impact the game on the bases and in center field makes him one of the most important players on the field regardless of matchup.

Royce Lewis in the Middle of the Order

Lewis sliding into the five hole puts him in position to drive in runs off Jeffers and Bell ahead of him. His presence in the lineup gives the Twins legitimate middle-of-the-order pop, and how he fares against Lopez will go a long way toward determining whether Minnesota strings together a productive offensive night.

Matthews's Command Early

The biggest variable in this game is how Matthews handles the Athletics' lineup through the first time through the order. If he can work efficiently and keep the ball in the yard at Target Field, the Twins' bullpen depth gives Minnesota a real advantage in the late innings. A short outing from Matthews would put significant pressure on that relief corps on a Friday night when the game matters.

Prediction

This shapes up as a low-scoring affair with two pitchers looking to establish themselves. The Twins' home-field edge and the depth of their lineup — particularly with Buxton and Lewis healthy and in the order — gives Minnesota the slight advantage. Expect the Twins to win a tight one, 4–2, with Matthews delivering five or six solid innings and the bullpen closing it out at Target Field.