Twins Visit Chase Field Looking to Slow a Surging Diamondbacks Squad

Arizona enters Sunday's 3:15 PM ET matinee at Chase Field sitting two games above .500 at 39-37, while Minnesota arrives four games under at 37-41 and in need of a statement win. Our model doesn't have a validated read on this one — so the storylines on the field will have to do the talking.

The pitching matchup is where this game starts and, potentially, ends. Mike Paredes is expected to start for Minnesota, and Jose Cabrera is set to take the mound for Arizona — two names that don't carry marquee weight, which means the offenses on both sides will feel the pressure to carry the afternoon. When lesser-known arms take the hill in a hitter-friendly environment like Chase Field, the lineup cards matter more than usual.

For the Twins, the conversation begins and ends with Byron Buxton. He's hitting .273 with 24 home runs — a power output that makes him one of the more dangerous hitters in the American League when he's locked in. Josh Bell adds a different dimension with 47 RBI, giving Minnesota a legitimate run-producer behind Buxton in the order. If Paredes struggles to eat innings, this offense will need to manufacture runs early and often to keep Minnesota competitive on the road.

Arizona's case is built around Corbin Carroll, who's batting .280 with 13 home runs — a well-rounded profile that gives the Diamondbacks a genuine table-setter and threat in one package. Ketel Marte anchors the run-production side with 44 RBI, and in a home environment where Arizona holds a two-game edge over .500, the D-backs carry the situational advantage. Without a model read to lean on, this one comes down to gut: a home team with a better record, a lineup that can punish mistakes, and a Twins squad that needs Buxton to do something extraordinary to steal this game on the road. Catch it on Peacock at 3:15 PM ET.