The Minnesota Twins head west to Sacramento for a Monday night matchup against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park, with first pitch set for 9:40 PM ET. Zebby Matthews gets the start for Minnesota against Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs. With the regular season in its final stretch, every game carries weight in the standings, and this road contest gives the Twins a chance to pick up ground away from Target Field. Catch the action on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive, WCCO 830 AM, or The Wolf 102.9 FM.

Twins at Athletics Game Preview: Monday, August 24, 2026

Pitching Matchup: Matthews vs. Springs

Zebby Matthews gets the ball for Minnesota. The young right-hander has been one of the more intriguing arms in the Twins rotation, and this road start against an Athletics lineup that mixes veterans and younger contributors will be a genuine test. How Matthews handles a lineup he does not see every day will be the defining story of this outing.

Jeffrey Springs takes the mound for Oakland. Springs is a seasoned arm with the ability to keep lineups off balance, and the Twins will need to make adjustments early if he is locating his secondary pitches. Minnesota's lineup will need to be patient and work counts to give themselves the best shot at a productive night.

Minnesota Twins Starting Lineup

• Luke Keaschall — RF
• Byron Buxton — CF
• Ryan Jeffers — C
• Josh Bell — DH
• Kody Clemens — LF
• Royce Lewis — 1B
• Kaelen Culpepper — SS
• Brooks Lee — 3B
• Ryan Kreidler — 2B

Athletics Starting Lineup

• Henry Bolte — CF
• Jeff McNeil — 1B
• Zack Gelof — 2B
• Lawrence Butler — RF
• Tommy White — 3B
• Donovan Walton — SS
• Max Muncy — LF
• Carlos Cortes — DH
• Jonah Heim — C

Keys to Watch for the Twins

• Byron Buxton in center: When Buxton is healthy and in the lineup, the Twins are a different team. His presence at the top of the order as the two-hole hitter adds a dynamic that Minnesota simply cannot replicate otherwise. Watch how he attacks Springs early in counts.
• Ryan Jeffers behind the plate: Jeffers hitting third signals how much the Twins value his bat. His ability to drive in runners and manage Matthews through a tough lineup will be critical on both sides of the ball.
• Royce Lewis at first base: Lewis sliding into first base in the six spot is worth monitoring. His presence in the middle of this lineup gives Minnesota some pop even if the top of the order does not produce.
• Matthews keeping the ball in the park: Sutter Health Park can play differently than Target Field. Matthews will need to command the strike zone and avoid deep counts against an Athletics lineup that includes dangerous hitters like Lawrence Butler and Zack Gelof.

Prediction

This shapes up as a tight, low-scoring affair. Matthews has the stuff to keep the Athletics lineup guessing, and if he can get through five or six innings without major damage, the Twins bullpen should be able to close it out. Minnesota's lineup has enough balance to scratch out two or three runs against Springs, which could be enough. Twins win, 3-2.