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Yankees vs Twins headlines Monday night’s MLB schedule as New York begins a three-game series in Minnesota. The Yankees will visit Target Field for a 6:40 p.m. Central first pitch, with Will Warren starting for New York and Dean Kremer taking the mound for the Twins.
The biggest storyline is the return of Aaron Judge. The back-to-back American League MVP is set to rejoin the Yankees after missing more than four months. New York chose to activate Judge without sending him on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, making his comeback one of the most closely watched developments of the late regular season.
Yankees vs Twins: Aaron Judge Makes His Return
Judge is not expected to be fully sharp immediately, but his presence significantly changes the complexion of the Yankees’ lineup. Even while he rounds into form, New York has continued to receive production from several important contributors.
Cody Bellinger has provided steady offense, while Ben Rice and Luis Garcia Jr. have each surpassed 30 home runs this season. Rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. and center fielder Spencer Jones also add energy and power to a lineup that remains dangerous despite several injuries.
The Yankees will still be without Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham, both of whom were placed on the injured list during the past week. Giancarlo Stanton has also missed most of the season, leaving Judge’s return especially important as New York prepares for the postseason.
Critical Pitching Matchup at Target Field
Will Warren will start for New York, while Minnesota turns to Kremer in an effort to stabilize its rotation. The Twins need a lengthy, efficient outing after a difficult performance in the series finale against Cleveland.
Kremer’s home-run rate has improved since joining Minnesota, but his overall numbers have remained uneven. His strikeout rate has fallen, and his walk rate has increased, creating pressure for him to deliver stronger starts during the final stretch of the campaign.
The upcoming seasons also add urgency to Minnesota’s pitching decisions. Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober and Kremer are all scheduled to reach free agency after 2027. A strong finish could help Kremer strengthen his position while giving the Twins more confidence in their long-term rotation plans.
Twins Face Important Injury Concerns
Minnesota’s lineup has been affected by several recent injuries. Trevor Larnach was initially included in the lineup but was scratched before the game after suffering a wrist injury. He is scheduled to undergo imaging, and any extended absence could end his season and potentially affect his future with the organization.
Kaelen Culpepper remains sidelined after being hit in the back by a fastball Saturday. Twins manager Derek Shelton sounded optimistic that Culpepper could return Tuesday. Royce Lewis is also out after leaving Sunday’s game with shoulder discomfort.
Those absences have forced Minnesota to rely on a younger group of players. Emmanuel Rodriguez, Walker Jenkins and Luke Keaschall are among the notable young talents expected to play meaningful roles as the Twins evaluate their future.
Projected Lineups and Key Players
The Yankees’ order features Judge in right field, with Rice serving as the designated hitter and Bellinger batting second. Garcia, Jones, Lombard and Ryan McMahon round out a deep group of hitters. Austin Wells will catch Warren, while Jose Caballero starts at second base.
Minnesota’s lineup includes Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Kody Clemens and Ryan Jeffers near the top. Josh Bell, Rodriguez, Victor Caratini, Ryan Kreidler and Jenkins will also be counted on to generate offense against Warren.
- First pitch: 6:40 p.m. Central
- Starting pitchers: Will Warren and Dean Kremer
- Television: Twins.TV
- Radio: TIBN, 830 WCCO, 102.9 The Wolf and the Audacy app
Monday’s Yankees vs Twins matchup carries different meaning for each club. New York is focused on building postseason momentum and determining how quickly Judge can return to MVP form. Minnesota, meanwhile, is trying to evaluate its young core while managing injuries and protecting its long-term plans.
As reported by SB Nation, the Twins enter the series with plenty of uncertainty, but the arrival of their young prospects provides a glimpse of what could come next. Against a Yankees team featuring Judge again, Minnesota will need strong pitching, timely hitting and disciplined defense to keep pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Yankees vs Twins game?
The game is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, with first pitch set for 6:40 p.m. Central at Target Field.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Will Warren is scheduled to start for the Yankees, while Dean Kremer is expected to start for the Twins.
Is Aaron Judge playing for the Yankees?
Yes. Judge is scheduled to return after missing more than four months. The Yankees activated him without a minor-league rehabilitation assignment.
Which Twins players are unavailable?
Trevor Larnach was scratched because of a wrist injury, while Kaelen Culpepper and Royce Lewis remain unavailable because of recent injuries.
How can fans watch the game?
The game is scheduled to air on Twins.TV, with radio coverage available through TIBN, 830 WCCO, 102.9 The Wolf and the Audacy app.
