Bell's Big Night Lifts Twins Over Braves
Josh Bell has seen a lot of pitching in his career. On Monday, he saw enough of it to carry the Minnesota Twins to a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Braves, backing up a strong start from Travis Adams.
The 34-year-old Bell was the difference, turning in a 26.5 fantasy-point performance that topped every player on the field and served as the offensive engine in a game the Twins controlled from the middle innings on. Minnesota had dropped three of its last four coming in, including a rough stretch against Philadelphia, so getting back in the win column was a welcome sight at Target Field.
Adams did his part on the mound, working deep enough into the game to post 18.5 fantasy points and give the Twins length they badly needed after their rotation had been shelled during that Phillies series. Bailey Ober chipped in as well, adding 17.3 points in a complementary role. Between the two of them, the Twins pitching staff did just enough to protect the cushion Bell and company built at the plate.
Atlanta's lineup and pitching staff had their moments, with Drake Baldwin, Ronald Acuña Jr.}}, and {{PLAYER all seeing action, but the Braves couldn't find enough offense to turn the tide once Minnesota pulled ahead. Victor Mederos started on the mound for Atlanta, with MartĂn PĂ©rez also getting time out of the bullpen, but Minnesota's pitching mix of Adams and Ober did the heavy lifting for the Twins.
Beyond Bell, the Twins got meaningful contributions up and down the order. Luke Keaschall continued to look comfortable at the plate, logging 16.0 fantasy points, while Byron Buxton added 14.5 in another sign that Minnesota's lineup has more than one player capable of carrying a game. Kody Clemens rounded out the productive night with 13.5 points, giving the Twins five players in double figures. That's the kind of balance that wins games, and it's exactly what Minnesota will need if it wants to build separation early in the season.
Minnesota, meanwhile, got to breathe a little easier. After stumbling through a rocky series against Philadelphia, beating Atlanta was the type of result that steadies a clubhouse. Bell's night was the headline, but the Twins' depth — Adams, Ober, Keaschall, Buxton, Clemens all hitting for solid fantasy value — was the real story here. It's early, but a lineup and rotation showing this much balance is a good sign heading into the next stretch of the schedule.
Atlanta will look to regroup and find more consistency, while Minnesota tries to build on the momentum. Either way, Monday's game between these two clubs set an early tone: the Twins have the depth right now.
