Matt

Wallner

It was interesting to see Wallner leading off with the Twins using most of their projected regulars today, but he did have a .372 OBP to go along with his .523 slugging percentage last season. Trevor Larnach, a similarly talented left-handed power bat, typically hit ahead of Wallner last year, most frequently batting second, but he was in the cleanup spot, with righties Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton batting second and third, respectively. It’s definitely good for Wallner’s value if this holds up against righties. It’s not so great for Royce Lewis, who was down in the fifth spot today. Of course, it’s just one game.

Wallner will miss the rest of the 2024 season, and it’s a big loss for the Twins as they’re struggling to stay in the postseason race and now will be without one of their best hitters. He could be back for the playoffs if Minnesota did make it, but for now Austin Martin takes his place on the roster.

Wallner left Tuesday’s game against the Marlins grabbing his side after a pinch hit appearance. Baldelli confirmed that the injury is left oblique tightness and the team hopes to know more about a potential timeline to return presumably after some testing on Wednesday.

Wallner pinch hit for Kyle Farmer, but was seen clutching his side after striking out. Wallner was replaced in the field in the next inning by Trevor Larnach. It’s unclear if Wallner will be available for the rest of the series against Miami or if his injury will require a stint on the injured list.

As has become the norm in Minnesota, most of the lefties will sit with Cleveland starting left-hander Joey Cantillo. However, interestingly, Matt Wallner remains in the starting lineup and batting eighth. Manuel Margot will plat left field in Larnach’s place, and Kyle Farmer will play second base for Edouard Julien. The good news if you roster any of these Twins is that they get matchups against three right-handed pitchers in Boston this weekend.

Wallner had two RBI singles off of Gavin Williams but was lifted from the game when the Guardians brought in a left-handed reliever because the Twins use a rigid platoon system. You’d think being one of only two hitters in the game to have multiple hits would earn you more at-bats in a game, but that’s not the case in Minnesota. That kind of strict platoon is part of the reason Wallner hasn’t been added in many fantasy leagues, but the 26-year-old has been solid since being called up by the Twins at the end of the summer, hitting .261 in 49 games with 10 home runs, 22 runs, 28 RBI, and three steals. The Twins have only one left-handed starter scheduled to face them the rest of the week, so Wallner should be added in more leagues.

With the Guardians starting left-hander Matthew Boyd, the Twins will sit all of their left-handed hitters. Manuel Margot will start in right field, Ryan Jeffers will start at DH, and Kyle Farmer will start at second base.

Wallner’s power is undeniable. This long ball was hit 110.3 MPH traveled an estimated 435 feet to left center field. It’s his second straight game with a homer as he’s worked his way up to second in the order against right-handed pitching. He’s also started against back-to-back lefties and is hitting too well – he has a .948 OPS on the season – to come out of the Twins’ lineup.

Wallner slugged a solo homer off Griffin Canning to lead off the third inning, then drove in two more runs with a double in the sixth. The 26-year-old outfielder is up to 12 homes and 33 RBI while slashing .261/.380/.561 across 216 plate appearances.

Wallner hit an RBI double off Alec Marsh in the third inning. He’s a strong-side platoon bat. Call him a one trick pony if you must, but hitting right-handed pitching is a valuable trick. Wallner is hitting .263 with a .933 OPS and 30 RBI this year.