The Minnesota Twins host the Atlanta Braves at Target Field on Wednesday, August 19, with first pitch scheduled for 1:40 PM ET. Taj Bradley gets the ball for Minnesota opposite Atlanta's AJ Smith-Shawver in what figures to be a compelling interleague matchup. The Braves bring a dangerous lineup anchored by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson to downtown Minneapolis, making this a legitimate measuring-stick opportunity for the Twins in the heart of the regular season.

Twins vs. Braves Game Preview: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Starting Pitchers: Taj Bradley vs. AJ Smith-Shawver

Bradley has been one of the more intriguing arms in the Twins rotation. The right-hander gives Minnesota a legitimate strikeout threat on the mound, and his ability to miss bats will be tested against a Braves lineup that can punish mistake pitches in a hurry. How Bradley handles the top of Atlanta's order — particularly Acuña Jr. leading off and Olson hitting third — will set the tone for the afternoon.

Smith-Shawver counters for Atlanta. The young Braves righty has shown flashes of the stuff that made him a highly regarded prospect, and pitching on the road in a day game against a Twins lineup that will be looking to attack early presents a real test of his composure and arsenal.

Minnesota Twins Lineup

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

Atlanta Braves Lineup

• 1. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
• 2. Drake Baldwin, C
• 3. Matt Olson, 1B
• 4. Michael Harris II, CF
• 5. Dominic Smith, DH
• 6. Ozzie Albies, 2B
• 7. Mike Yastrzemski, LF
• 8. Austin Riley, 3B
• 9. Jim Jarvis, SS

Keys to Watch

• Contain Acuña Jr.: Ronald Acuña Jr. setting the table from the leadoff spot is one of the most dangerous at-bats in baseball. Bradley needs to establish his stuff early and not let Acuña get comfortable. A leadoff hit or walk can ignite the entire Atlanta order.
• Buxton in the two-hole: Byron Buxton hitting second gives the Twins a dynamic threat early in the lineup. If Keaschall can get on base, Buxton's speed and power create an instant problem for Smith-Shawver.
• Royce Lewis at first base: Lewis sliding over to first base is a lineup card detail worth monitoring. His bat is capable of doing damage in the middle of the order, and his comfort at the position will matter defensively with Atlanta's lineup putting the ball in play.
• Braves depth on the back end: Austin Riley hitting eighth is a luxury most teams don't have. Minnesota's bullpen cannot afford to cruise on autopilot — this Braves roster has quality at every spot.

Prediction

This is the kind of afternoon game at Target Field that can swing on a single at-bat. Bradley has the capability to keep Atlanta's lineup in check if he's locating his fastball and mixing his secondary offerings. Smith-Shawver is talented but pitching on the road in the regular season against a lineup with Buxton and Lewis is no easy afternoon. Twins take this one in a close game, with Bradley working into the sixth and the offense doing just enough against the young Atlanta arm.

Twins 4, Braves 2.

Catch the game on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive or on WCCO 830 AM and The Wolf 102.9 FM locally.