Not only would defeating the Royals give Minnesota the advantage, but it would also keep Minnesota’s lead in the division race narrow. With a four-game lead over the Twins heading into Thursday’s series finale, Kansas City has turned a Twins-style offseason into a second-place record in the AL Central.

Although Minnesota cannot catch the Royals in this series, a victory would keep the Twins on course for a comeback and also send a message to Kansas City that things in your rearview mirror are often closer than they seem.

May 30: Twins at. Royals: Potential starting pitchers

On Thursday afternoon, the Twins will send out Chris Paddack (4-2, 4.39 ERA) in an attempt to seal the series victory. The Sheriff has had success at Target Field; he is 3-1 at home with a 2.73 ERA and had a fantastic showing against the Rangers last week. Paddack will look to improve on his performance against the Royals, as he went five innings and gave up just two runs on two hits.

It will be Paddack’s third AL Central game and his first time playing the Royals this season on Thursday. Before the game was lost, he pitched eight outstanding innings against the Guardians and dominated the White Sox back in April.

Brady Singer (4-2, 2.63 ERA) has already faced the Twins this season and is undoubtedly itching for another chance to face them. In the third game of the season, Kansas City defeated Minnesota 11-0 while Singer was on the mound. He pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out ten Twins batters.

That was the beginning of Minnesota’s offensive problems, and it would be appropriate for the group to defeat Singer on Thursday in order to drive out those ghosts.