The Minnesota Twins have shown flashes of brilliance over the past few seasons, making strides in the competitive AL Central, but they’ve also faced their fair share of drama and controversy that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. In this breakdown page, you’ll find captivating highlights from key moments like Josh Donaldson’s unforgettable go-ahead homer that ended with a theatrical ejection, as well as the bizarre showdown between James Karinchak and Rocco Baldelli that had everyone talking. And let’s not forget the nail-biting showdown against the Blue Jays, where a disputed call put the Twins’ defensive prowess in the spotlight. Join us as we dive deep into the electrifying plays and heated exchanges that define the Twins’ recent journey in MLB.
Most Popular Minnesota Twins Breakdowns of All Time
Josh Donaldson gets ejected after hitting a home run
Josh Donaldson hit a go-ahead home run and got tossed before he finished his trot around the bases. It started in the first inning when he didn’t like a high strike call. He barked a little, but kept it together.
View count: 6,228,704 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Pitcher accused of cheating via his hair
Guardians reliever James Karinchak sparked a weird scene during a key divisional game against the Twins. Known for past use of banned sticky substances, Karinchak now often grabs the back of his hair for sweat before touching the rosin bag, a legal grip combo under MLB rules. But during this outing, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli had enough and asked umpires to check him.
View count: 3,062,174 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Rocco Baldelli loses mind after replay review
The Twins and Blue Jays were tied 2-2 in the 10th inning when one of the most controversial umpiring decisions in recent memory went down. Whit Merrifield tagged from third on a fly ball and was thrown out at home by new Twins outfielder Tim Beckham. Catcher Gary Sánchez made what looked like a textbook play.
View count: 1,632,919 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Manager ridicules his player for hitting a home run
Tony La Russa and the White Sox found themselves in baseball’s strangest drama after Yermín Mercedes hit a 3-0 home run off a position player during a blowout. The Twins had conceded the game by putting a non-pitcher on the mound, but La Russa saw Mercedes’ homer as an offense against the unwritten rules. He claimed he ran up yelling “take, take, take” to stop it and later apologized publicly to the Twins, calling it a “grave mistake.
View count: 1,605,615 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Mike Montgomery gets ejected after giving up a home run
Jordan Montgomery of the Royals got tossed from a game against the Twins after a frustrating sequence on the mound. He threw a string of sharp curveballs that looked like strikes but didn’t get the calls. One was clearly over the plate, and still nothing from the umpire.
View count: 1,506,965 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
The Latest Minnesota Twins Breakdown Videos
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For the full list of Minnesota Twins breakdowns, visit the Minnesota Twins tag page.