The Minnesota Twins head to Seattle's T-Mobile Park on Friday, July 31 for a 10:10 PM ET first pitch against the Mariners, with right-hander Zebby Matthews taking the ball opposite Seattle's Bryce Miller. This is a meaningful late-summer road matchup for a Twins club that needs wins on the West Coast to keep pace in a crowded American League picture. Minnesota's lineup carries a mix of proven veterans and younger contributors, and how they handle Miller — one of Seattle's more reliable starters — will go a long way toward determining the outcome.

Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners: Friday, July 31, 2026 Game Preview

Starting Pitchers: Matthews vs. Miller

Zebby Matthews gets the starting nod for Minnesota. The young right-hander has been part of the Twins' rotation conversation and this late-night road start against a Seattle lineup that can be difficult to navigate represents a real test of where he stands heading into the final stretch of the season. Matthews will need to work efficiently and keep the ball out of the seats in a ballpark that can play differently depending on the marine layer.

On the other side, Bryce Miller has been a consistent presence at the top of Seattle's rotation. Miller works with solid stuff and typically attacks the strike zone, which puts the onus on Minnesota's hitters to be selective and make him work deep into counts rather than chasing early.

Twins Lineup to Watch

Manager Rocco Baldelli has constructed a lineup that leans on some familiar faces. Trevor Larnach leads things off in left field, with Ryan Jeffers slotting in at the two-hole — a sign that Jeffers' bat is trusted in a prime run-producing spot. Kody Clemens hits third, followed by Josh Bell protecting the heart of the order at DH. Royce Lewis takes first base and bats fifth, a position in the lineup where his power can do real damage.

• Trevor Larnach (LF) — Leading off and tasked with setting the table against Miller
• Ryan Jeffers (C) — Batting second, his ability to work counts matters here
• Kody Clemens (2B) — Hits third, needs to come through with runners on base
• Josh Bell (DH) — The cleanup bat; how he fares against Miller sets the tone
• Royce Lewis (1B) — Power threat at five; Seattle will be cautious
• Alan Roden (RF) — Batting sixth, part of a middle-of-the-order depth the Twins are counting on
• Brooks Lee (3B) — Seventh, a young player still finding his footing at the major league level
• Luke Keaschall (CF) — Eighth; speed and contact profile could matter late in games
• Tristan Gray (SS) — Rounds out the order at nine

Seattle Lineup: The Threats Minnesota Must Contain

The Mariners counter with a lineup built around Julio Rodríguez in center field, batting cleanup — he remains Seattle's most dangerous hitter and the player Matthews must be most careful with. Randy Arozarena hits second and has the ability to get into hitter's counts and do damage. Cal Raleigh provides pop from the catcher spot, and Josh Naylor at first base gives Seattle a physical presence in the middle of the order. Cole Young leads off at second base as a young player Seattle has invested in at the top of the lineup.

Keys to the Game

• Matthews limiting the big inning: With Rodríguez, Raleigh, and Naylor in the middle of Seattle's order, one mistake can turn into a crooked number quickly. Matthews keeping the ball in the yard is the single biggest factor for Minnesota.
• Jeffers and Bell producing against Miller: These two represent Minnesota's best chances to drive in runs early. If Miller breezes through the two and four spots in the order, the Twins will be in for a long night.
• Bullpen management: A 10:10 PM ET start on the West Coast means this game will go deep into the night. How Minnesota manages its relief corps if Matthews runs into trouble in the fifth or sixth will be critical.
• Royce Lewis impact: Lewis at first base and batting fifth gives the Twins a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat. A big at-bat or two from him could be the difference.

Prediction

This is a tough venue and a tough matchup. Bryce Miller at home is a real challenge, and Minnesota's lineup will need to grind out at-bats rather than looking for the big hit. If Zebby Matthews can give the Twins five or six solid innings and keep Seattle's lineup from stringing together big innings, Minnesota has enough in the lineup to scratch out a competitive game. The Twins have the pieces — this one comes down to execution on the mound. Edge: Mariners, 4-2, but Minnesota keeps it close.

Catch the action on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive or on the radio at WCCO 830 AM and The Wolf 102.9 FM.