Deadspin | Twins pursue reversal of fortunes in series opener vs. Jays 
Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder James Outman (30) scores on an RBI single hit by catcher Victor Caratini (37) during the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays are riding completely different streaks entering the opener of a four-game series on Thursday in Minneapolis.
The Twins took two of three games from the Blue Jays on April 10-12, part of a four-game winning streak.
Since the streak ended, they have since lost 11 of 13 games, including a 5-3 defeat to the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.
Minnesota had the chance to win the game and claim a victory in the three-game series after Victor Caratini’s pinch-hit single put the home team up 3-2 in the eighth inning. However, as has been a problem for most of the season, the bullpen could not close out a much-needed win.
Eric Orze allowed three runs in just one-third of an inning in the ninth while bidding for his second save of the season. The Twins’ bullpen earned run average now sits at 5.30, the fourth worst in the majors. Opponents are now hitting .280 against Minnesota relievers, the highest average of any bullpen in the majors.
“I think we’re just trying to figure out the right mix and match,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said after Wednesday’s loss. “We just haven’t had a lot of consistency down there, and guys filter into roles.”
Catcher Ryan Jeffers has been Minnesota’s best hitter of late. He went 2-for-4 Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to five games, during which he’s hitting .389 (7-for-18). His 18 RBIs lead the team.
The Blue Jays’ losses to the Twins earlier this month began a stretch in which the club dropped six of seven games. However, Toronto has won seven of its last 10 games, including an 8-1 thumping of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon.
As the Blue Jays are getting hot, they also are getting healthier. Wednesday saw the return of designated hitter George Springer, who has been sidelined since breaking his left big toe during an at-bat against the Twins on April 11.
Springer did not start Wednesday, but he did pinch hit in the fifth and produced an RBI single to extend the Blue Jays’ lead to 6-1.
“It’s a big boost,” Toronto second baseman Ernie Clement told Sportsnet after the game. “He’s an unbelievable player and unbelievable leader, so it’s just great to have him back, and his energy is awesome.”
Thursday’s pitching matchup features Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-1, 2.57 ERA) going up against fellow right-hander Bailey Ober (2-1, 3.94) of Minnesota. Neither pitched in the earlier series.
Gausman has not fared well against Minnesota, going 1-5 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts.
Ober is 2-3 with a 3.96 ERA in seven starts versus Toronto.
–Field Level Media
#Deadspin #Twins #pursue #reversal #fortunes #series #opener #Jays
Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder James Outman (30) scores on an RBI single hit by catcher Victor Caratini (37) during the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays are riding completely different streaks entering the opener of a four-game series on Thursday in Minneapolis.
The Twins took two of three games from the Blue Jays on April 10-12, part of a four-game winning streak.
Since the streak ended, they have since lost 11 of 13 games, including a 5-3 defeat to the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.
Minnesota had the chance to win the game and claim a victory in the three-game series after Victor Caratini’s pinch-hit single put the home team up 3-2 in the eighth inning. However, as has been a problem for most of the season, the bullpen could not close out a much-needed win.
Eric Orze allowed three runs in just one-third of an inning in the ninth while bidding for his second save of the season. The Twins’ bullpen earned run average now sits at 5.30, the fourth worst in the majors. Opponents are now hitting .280 against Minnesota relievers, the highest average of any bullpen in the majors.
“I think we’re just trying to figure out the right mix and match,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said after Wednesday’s loss. “We just haven’t had a lot of consistency down there, and guys filter into roles.”
Catcher Ryan Jeffers has been Minnesota’s best hitter of late. He went 2-for-4 Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to five games, during which he’s hitting .389 (7-for-18). His 18 RBIs lead the team.
The Blue Jays’ losses to the Twins earlier this month began a stretch in which the club dropped six of seven games. However, Toronto has won seven of its last 10 games, including an 8-1 thumping of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon.
As the Blue Jays are getting hot, they also are getting healthier. Wednesday saw the return of designated hitter George Springer, who has been sidelined since breaking his left big toe during an at-bat against the Twins on April 11.
Springer did not start Wednesday, but he did pinch hit in the fifth and produced an RBI single to extend the Blue Jays’ lead to 6-1.
“It’s a big boost,” Toronto second baseman Ernie Clement told Sportsnet after the game. “He’s an unbelievable player and unbelievable leader, so it’s just great to have him back, and his energy is awesome.”
Thursday’s pitching matchup features Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-1, 2.57 ERA) going up against fellow right-hander Bailey Ober (2-1, 3.94) of Minnesota. Neither pitched in the earlier series.
Gausman has not fared well against Minnesota, going 1-5 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts.
Ober is 2-3 with a 3.96 ERA in seven starts versus Toronto.
–Field Level Media
![Deadspin | LIV Golf seeks ‘long-term financial partners’ as Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirms exit [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, touting “100% year over year” financial growth in 2026. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF statement read Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.” Under a reshaped model, LIV established a new, independent board and envisions further commercial agreements to stabilize the intended PGA Tour competitor. “LIV Golf is transitioning from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model, with a formal process underway to attract long-term financial partners,” the circuit said in a statement Thursday, hours after learning the financial underpinning from the PIF was ended. Signs of a fracture in the PIF-LIV emerged earlier this year and simmered to the surface last week, when ESPN obtained an email LIV CEO Scott O’Neil sent to staff claiming the 2026 season will continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” He made no mention of LIV’s future beyond 2026, however. LIV said the new board will be headed by Eugene Davis, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC and Jon Zinman, the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC. They are tasked primarily with “institutionalizing the league, formalizing its ownership structure, and evaluating the range of strategic opportunities,” LIV Golf said Thursday. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf made its debut in June 2022 and used lavish, guaranteed contracts to lure dozens of stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA. PIF has provided LIV with more than $5 billion, but the league has reportedly lost millions of dollars per year. Earlier this month, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and LIV’s main financial backer, shared a plan for the kingdom to cut back on international investments and focus on more domestic projects. DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Rahm reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. According to MSN.com, some LIV players have reached out to the DP World Tour. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #seeks #longterm #financial #partners #Saudi #Arabias #PIF #confirms #exit](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28164461.jpg "Deadspin | LIV Golf seeks ‘long-term financial partners’ as Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirms exit [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, touting “100% year over year” financial growth in 2026. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF statement read Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.” Under a reshaped model, LIV established a new, independent board and envisions further commercial agreements to stabilize the intended PGA Tour competitor. “LIV Golf is transitioning from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model, with a formal process underway to attract long-term financial partners,” the circuit said in a statement Thursday, hours after learning the financial underpinning from the PIF was ended. Signs of a fracture in the PIF-LIV emerged earlier this year and simmered to the surface last week, when ESPN obtained an email LIV CEO Scott O’Neil sent to staff claiming the 2026 season will continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” He made no mention of LIV’s future beyond 2026, however. LIV said the new board will be headed by Eugene Davis, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC and Jon Zinman, the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC. They are tasked primarily with “institutionalizing the league, formalizing its ownership structure, and evaluating the range of strategic opportunities,” LIV Golf said Thursday. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf made its debut in June 2022 and used lavish, guaranteed contracts to lure dozens of stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA. PIF has provided LIV with more than $5 billion, but the league has reportedly lost millions of dollars per year. Earlier this month, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and LIV’s main financial backer, shared a plan for the kingdom to cut back on international investments and focus on more domestic projects. DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Rahm reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. According to MSN.com, some LIV players have reached out to the DP World Tour. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #seeks #longterm #financial #partners #Saudi #Arabias #PIF #confirms #exit")
![Deadspin | LIV Golf seeks ‘long-term financial partners’ as Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirms exit [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, touting “100% year over year” financial growth in 2026. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF statement read Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.” Under a reshaped model, LIV established a new, independent board and envisions further commercial agreements to stabilize the intended PGA Tour competitor. “LIV Golf is transitioning from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model, with a formal process underway to attract long-term financial partners,” the circuit said in a statement Thursday, hours after learning the financial underpinning from the PIF was ended. Signs of a fracture in the PIF-LIV emerged earlier this year and simmered to the surface last week, when ESPN obtained an email LIV CEO Scott O’Neil sent to staff claiming the 2026 season will continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” He made no mention of LIV’s future beyond 2026, however. LIV said the new board will be headed by Eugene Davis, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC and Jon Zinman, the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC. They are tasked primarily with “institutionalizing the league, formalizing its ownership structure, and evaluating the range of strategic opportunities,” LIV Golf said Thursday. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf made its debut in June 2022 and used lavish, guaranteed contracts to lure dozens of stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA. PIF has provided LIV with more than $5 billion, but the league has reportedly lost millions of dollars per year. Earlier this month, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and LIV’s main financial backer, shared a plan for the kingdom to cut back on international investments and focus on more domestic projects. DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Rahm reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. According to MSN.com, some LIV players have reached out to the DP World Tour. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #seeks #longterm #financial #partners #Saudi #Arabias #PIF #confirms #exit](https://i0.wp.com/images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28164461.jpg?ssl=1 "Deadspin | LIV Golf seeks ‘long-term financial partners’ as Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirms exit [US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 5, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Bryson DeChambeau in action during the second round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reuters via Imagn Images LIV Golf plans to continue without the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, touting “100% year over year” financial growth in 2026. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) formally announced it would end financial support of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season. “PIF has made the decision to fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season,” a PIF statement read Thursday. “The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy. This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.” Under a reshaped model, LIV established a new, independent board and envisions further commercial agreements to stabilize the intended PGA Tour competitor. “LIV Golf is transitioning from a foundational launch phase to a diversified, multi-partner investment model, with a formal process underway to attract long-term financial partners,” the circuit said in a statement Thursday, hours after learning the financial underpinning from the PIF was ended. Signs of a fracture in the PIF-LIV emerged earlier this year and simmered to the surface last week, when ESPN obtained an email LIV CEO Scott O’Neil sent to staff claiming the 2026 season will continue “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” He made no mention of LIV’s future beyond 2026, however. LIV said the new board will be headed by Eugene Davis, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PIRINATE Consulting Group LLC and Jon Zinman, the founder and managing member of JZ Advisors LLC. They are tasked primarily with “institutionalizing the league, formalizing its ownership structure, and evaluating the range of strategic opportunities,” LIV Golf said Thursday. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf made its debut in June 2022 and used lavish, guaranteed contracts to lure dozens of stars like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA. PIF has provided LIV with more than $5 billion, but the league has reportedly lost millions of dollars per year. Earlier this month, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF’s governor and LIV’s main financial backer, shared a plan for the kingdom to cut back on international investments and focus on more domestic projects. DeChambeau, Cameron Smith and Rahm reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. According to MSN.com, some LIV players have reached out to the DP World Tour. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #seeks #longterm #financial #partners #Saudi #Arabias #PIF #confirms #exit")
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