The Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies face off at the iconic Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, Iowa, according to Major League Baseball. According to MLB.com, Netflix holds exclusive streaming rights to the matchup, which marks the third edition of the special regular-season event following an extensive refurbishment of the famous ballpark.
Matchup Context and Wild Card Postseason Stakes
Both teams enter the contest in active contention for postseason berths in their respective leagues, according to MLB.com. The perennially contending Phillies and the surprising Twins are battling for Wild Card spots. Tonight’s game kicks off a three-game series that continues over the weekend at Target Field in Minneapolis, with the Twins designated as the home team for the Iowa opener, as reported by MLB.com.
The Phillies bring a star-laden lineup facing a Minnesota team that ranks eighth in the Majors in runs scored, according to MLB.com. The game also presents a stark contrast in starting pitchers. The Phillies send veteran Aaron Nola to the mound, while the Twins counter with hard-throwing starter Taj Bradley, according to MLB.com.
Starting Pitchers and Roster Updates
According to MLB.com, Aaron Nola holds a 4.28 ERA over his past seven starts, showing improvement after struggling with a 6.04 ERA through his first 17 starts of the season. Nola departed his previous outing with a right knee contusion after being struck by a 104.8 mph comebacker, but he completed his usual between-starts routine and confirmed he is ready to play, according to MLB.com.
The Twins counter with Taj Bradley, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the Trade Deadline a year ago, according to MLB.com. Bradley relies on a high-90s fastball paired with a cutter and a splitter. Minnesota also activated outfielder Byron Buxton from the injured list ahead of the game, slotting him into the starting lineup behind leadoff hitter Trevor Larnach, according to MLB.com.
Broadcast Details and Streaming Info
Netflix broadcasts the game live as part of a new partnership with Major League Baseball established in the offseason, according to MLB.com. This contest marks the third MLB event carried by the streaming platform this season, following the March 25 Opening Night game between the New York Giants and New York Yankees, and the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on July 13, according to MLB.com.
Worth a look