Twins vs. Phillies: Preview, Predictions, Where to Watch (9/26/25)

The Philadelphia Phillies kick off their final series of the 2025 regular season tonight against the Minnesota Twins at Citizens Bank Park.

The Twins are out of the playoff mix and are closing out a 90-loss season after a trade deadline fire sale.

Meanwhile, it’s sunny in Philadelphia: the Phillies have secured both an NL East title and a first-round bye. They are two games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the top seed in the NL, leaving them a narrow window to guarantee home-field advantage through the NLCS.

Aaron Nola takes the mound for Philadelphia. He’s 4-10 with a 6.46 ERA, and the Phillies desperately need him to find consistency before October. Nola may be their fourth starter in the later rounds of the playoffs.

Though he tossed six shutout innings against the New York Mets earlier this month, that outing looks like an outlier. Nola was roughed up for six runs by the Royals in his next start. It was the fifth time this season he’s given up six or more runs, and the second time in September alone.

For Minnesota, Joe Ryan (13-9, 3.47 ERA) gets the nod. Ryan’s year has been a tale of two halves: strong before the break with a 2.72 ERA, shaky after with a 4.92 ERA. His struggles have worsened in September. He’s posted a 9.00 ERA over three starts this month, averaging under four innings an outing.

Prediction

Expect the Phillies’ bats to cover for Nola’s volatility. With Ryan struggling badly in September, Philadelphia should have the edge.

Prediction: Phillies 6, Twins 5

Starting Lineups

Minnesota Twins

1. Byron Buxton — CF

2. Kody Clemens — 2B

3. Ryan Jeffers — DH

4. Trevor Larnach — RF

5. Brooks Lee — SS

6. Edouard Julien — 1B

7. Royce Lewis — 3B

8. James Outman — LF

9. Christian Vázquez — C

Starting Pitcher: Joe Ryan (RHP) — 13‑9, 3.47 ERA

Philadelphia Phillies

1. Harrison Bader — CF

2. Kyle Schwarber — DH

3. Bryce Harper — 1B

4. Alec Bohm — 3B

5. Brandon Marsh — LF

6. J.T. Realmuto — C

7. Nick Castellanos — RF

8. Bryson Stott — 2B

9. Edmundo Sosa — SS

Starting Pitcher: Aaron Nola (RHP) — 4‑10, 6.46 ERA

How to Watch Twins vs. Phillies

First pitch for tonight’s Twins–Phillies game is set for 6:45 PM Eastern / 5:45 PM Central at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

The game airs live locally on NBC Sports Philadelphia, and for Minnesota fans on Twins.TV Presented by Progressive.

Out-of-market viewers can stream the game via MLB.TV.

Minnesota Twins vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Date: Friday, September 26, 2025

Time: 6:45 PM Eastern / 5:45 PM Central

Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia, Twins.TV Presented by Progressive

Streaming: MLB.TV