Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians (2026-07-21). Kendry Rojas vs Parker Messick at Progressive Field.
Starters — Rojas has a 2.79 ERA and 1.60 WHIP across 19.1 innings, with a strong 10.24 K/9 but a very high 7.45 BB/9 and just 0.47 HR/9. His last three appearances were 1.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, 0 BB on July 18; 2.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 K, 3 BB on July 9; and 2.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 K, 3 BB on June 23. The strikeout ability is evident, but the walk rate remains the main volatility point, even with an upward trend noted. Messick brings a 2.73 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 112 innings, with 8.84 K/9, 2.89 BB/9, and 0.80 HR/9. His last three starts were 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 K, 4 BB on July 10; 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K, 3 BB on July 4; and 6.2 IP, 4 ER, 5 K, 0 BB on June 29. The overall profile is much more stable, though the recent trend is listed as down.
Teams — Minnesota has been the better offensive club by season-long production, carrying a .735 OPS and 483 runs scored with a .248 average. Cleveland sits at a .689 OPS, 405 runs, and a .233 average. On the pitching side, the Guardians hold the edge with a 3.76 team ERA and 1.27 WHIP, compared with the Twins at 4.75 and 1.39. Recent form is fairly even: Minnesota is 5-5 in its last 10, while Cleveland is 6-4. For bettors, this sets up a contrast between the Twins’ stronger lineup output and the Guardians’ steadier run prevention.
