What happened: The Minnesota Twins return to their home ballpark to open a highly anticipated set of games against Cleveland. The impending matchup pits the top two American League Central contenders against one another.
Why it matters: A successful homestand would allow the local club to seize crucial momentum heading toward the All-Star break. The overall results will also provide vital clarity for both front offices as they finalize their strategies ahead of the impending trade deadline.
By the numbers: The Guardians travel into the contest clutching a razor-thin one-game advantage in the standings.
What to watch: The opening innings will immediately test whether the hosts can capitalize on their familiar surroundings.