The Twins are slugging their way into the playoffs, but they need pitchers

• They are trailing the surprisingly good Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central but would get a wild card spot if the season ended today.

Why it matters: The team's turnaround has been aided by a crop of young hitters and their success should give fans hope for competitive baseball beyond the 2024 season.

Yes, but: While the Twins have an 80% chance of making the playoffs, their quest for a deep run will require much better pitching.

By the numbers: No team has scored more runs than the Twins since April 22, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes.

• But their pitching staff ranks 19th of 30 teams in earned run average (ERA).

Zoom in: Shortstop Carlos Correa is back to his former self after battling injuries last year and was selected for the All-Star Game.

• Third baseman Royce Lewis was unstoppable before another injury sidelined him last week. Highly touted rookie Brooks Lee replaced Lewis and has had just about the best first week in team history.
• José Miranda tied an MLB record with 12 straight hits — a run so great that some have suggested he's now the more famous Miranda family member (his cousin is Broadway actor/songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda).

What we're watching: The trade deadline is less than three weeks away, and the Twins could use an upgrade to their starting pitching rotation.

• They have a good crop of young prospects whom they could deal for an established starter, but it remains to be seen if ownership will take on a big salary after slashing payroll by $35 million in the offseason.