The Minnesota Twins head to Petco Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026, for a 4:10 PM ET first pitch against the San Diego Padres. Right-hander Bailey Ober gets the ball for Minnesota against Walker Buehler in what shapes up as a genuine pitching duel under the California sun. With the regular season deep into its second half, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Twins need a strong road performance to keep pace. Catch the action on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive or on radio at WCCO 830 and KWFN 97.3.

Starting Pitchers: Ober vs. Buehler at Petco Park

Bailey Ober takes the mound for Minnesota in what is one of the bigger road assignments of his season. Ober has built a reputation as one of the Twins' steadier rotation pieces — a tall right-hander who generates weak contact and works efficiently through lineups when his command is sharp. His ability to limit walks and keep the ball on the ground will be tested against a San Diego lineup that has legitimate pop throughout.

Walker Buehler gets the start for San Diego. The veteran right-hander has the experience and repertoire to keep opposing lineups off-balance, and pitching at Petco Park — one of the more pitcher-friendly environments in the National League — only helps his cause. Minnesota's offense will need to be disciplined and patient to generate traffic against him.

San Diego Padres Lineup to Watch

The Padres are rolling out a formidable lineup that the Twins cannot take lightly. Fernando Tatis Jr. leads off in right field, with Manny Machado hitting third and Xander Bogaerts slotted eighth. The middle of the order — Jake Cronenworth, Machado, and Ty France — is capable of doing serious damage in bunches. Jackson Merrill in center field and the recently acquired Luis Rengifo in left round out a lineup that has no easy outs.

Minnesota Twins Lineup and Keys to the Game

Byron Buxton slots in at center field and bats second, which puts him in position to do damage early. Josh Bell hits third as the designated hitter, with Kody Clemens fourth and Royce Lewis fifth at first base. Brooks Lee bats sixth at third base, and rookie Luke Keaschall leads off in right field.

• Ober's command: If Ober can limit free passes and keep the Padres' big bats from getting into hitter's counts, Minnesota has a real shot. Petco Park suppresses offense, so runs will be at a premium.
• Buxton's impact: When Byron Buxton is locked in at the plate, this lineup has a completely different ceiling. His at-bats in the first two innings against Buehler could set the tone for the entire game.
• Situational hitting: Minnesota's lineup, as currently constructed, leans on manufacturing runs. The Twins will need timely hits from Bell, Lewis, and Brooks Lee rather than waiting around for the three-run homer.
• Bullpen management: If Ober exits early, Minnesota's bullpen will face a hostile environment on the road. How Rocco Baldelli deploys his relief arms in the middle innings matters enormously.

Prediction: Twins 3, Padres 2

This one has the look of a low-scoring, tightly contested game — exactly the kind Petco Park tends to produce. Ober is capable of going six-plus innings and keeping San Diego's lineup in check, and if Buxton gets on base early and Lewis contributes a big hit in the middle innings, Minnesota has enough to steal this road game. Expect Ober to pitch well, the Twins' bullpen to hold the line late, and Minnesota to grind out a narrow win. Twins 3, Padres 2.