MN Twins Clubhouse Boils Over as Trade Deadline Looms

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MN Twins Clubhouse Boils Over as Trade Deadline Looms

Griffin Jax, Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins — Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Ted Schwerzler · Minnesota Sports Fan

Thu, Jul 31, 2025 ·

3 min read

Clubhouse a mess after Minnesota Twins latest loss

Minnesota entered Wednesday's matinee against the Red Sox trailing 8-1 in the 9th inning. That meant a position player could not yet be used, so Rocco Baldelli turned to Griffin Jax for what could be his final appearance in a Twins uniform. He failed to record and gave up three straight hits before being lifted for position player Kody Clemens .

It was clear Jax was visibly upset on the mound. He had worked himself into a mess he likely wanted to get out of. Then things boiled over. The Athletic's Dan Hayes shared the scene from the clubhouse.

"Minnesota Twins postgame clubhouse was absolutely surreal as players tried to digest what happened in an awkward 9th inning. One player said everyone was "shook." Angry about his removal, Griffin Jax had a meeting with Rocco Baldelli for which Carlos Correa was present. It felt as if many players wondered if Willi Castro had been traded based on him being removed in the top of the ninth inning. Baldelli said he simply wanted to give Castro a chance to be patted on the back publicly. "Willi hasn't gone anywhere," Baldelli said.

With the bullpen beat up, Baldelli called on Jax to pitch despite the lopsided score. Jax most recently pitched Monday and was "the rested guy," Baldelli said. After 12 pitches and three singles, Jax was removed much to his dismay.

The NESN feed showed Jax pacing in the dugout after his removal before sharing a brief exchange with Baldelli and bench coach Jayce Tingler, motioning his arm toward the mound where position player Kody Clemens was set to pitch.

Adding to the absurdity was Ty France shifting from first base to second base to replace Clemens. Mickey Gasper replaced France at first. France said he'd been told earlier in the day he would be replacing Castro if he reached base.

Jax expected to be called into the manager's office. Jax & Correa then met with Baldelli. Following the discussion, Jax said he understood why Baldelli removed him. Part of reason was 1st run allowed meant #MNTwins could use a position player as a pitcher to save Jax's arm."

This whole situation is a reflection of players that seemingly don't get the situation they put their coaches in. Regardless of how you feel about Rocco Baldelli, Tommy Watkings, Jayce Tingler, Pete Maki, or anyone else on the staff, they don't play the game.

Minnesota went out and laid an egg Wednesday . It's the same sort of competency this same group has shown since the All-Star Break when they had a chance to influence their future.

Baldelli would have called upon a position player in a meaningless game immediately if the rules allowed for it. Instead Jax went out and pitched in a manner that made it possible.

Romy Gonzalez (7)
3-Run Home Run

Opponent: Minnesota Twins
Pitcher: Kody Clemens
Date: 7/30/25 pic.twitter.com/rScSKchiVF

— Red Sox Home Runs (@RedSox_HR) July 30, 2025

The Willi Castro removal was odd because it wasn't well-communicated, but Baldelli was attempting to give a player his flowers knowing he almost certainly won't be with the team on Friday. Jax hasn't contributed to the poor performance, but his ire is misplaced if it's towards those coaching him.

Adding to the odd responses to all of this is Carlos Correa's inclusion. It's great that he's a veteran looking out for the state of the club. He called Royce Lewis out publicly a year ago. It might hold more weight though if he wasn't having the worst season of his career and entertaining trade ideas to his former employer.

This team is responsible for embarrassing themselves. There is no level of frustration that should be more directed at anyone than the guys wearing uniforms between the lines. A sort of mass exodus the next 20 hours should be expected. The Twins are open for business .

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