**Taj Bradley Shines in New Routine Despite Twins’ Loss to Padres**
**Meta Description:** Minnesota Twins pitcher Taj Bradley excelled in his start against the Padres, showcasing a new study routine despite the team’s loss.
**URL Slug:** taj-bradley-twins-padres-game
**Headline:** Taj Bradley Impresses with New Study Routine in Loss to Padres
In a notable shift in preparation, Minnesota Twins pitcher Taj Bradley opted to study scouting reports for the first time ahead of his start against the San Diego Padres on Saturday. This change in routine paid off as Bradley delivered an impressive performance, pitching five innings and allowing just one run on a single hit while striking out six batters. Unfortunately, the Twins’ bullpen struggled to hold the lead, and the offense faltered, leading to a 12-3 defeat as San Diego scored seven runs in the seventh inning.
Bradley’s outing marked a significant improvement from his previous start with the Twins, following his acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays before the trade deadline. In his debut, he had a rough outing, giving up seven runs on nine hits. Reflecting on his new approach, Bradley stated, “I just never did it at all. I was kind of out there blind the whole time. After my last outing, I had a lot of soft contact, so I figured now is the time. OK, get your head in the books, learn a bit about the hitters you’re going up against.”
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli expressed confidence in Bradley’s evolving routine, emphasizing the importance of a pitcher’s mindset. “Honestly, whatever helps guys take the mound with confidence and allows them to do their job well, that’s the way that I want them to think,” Baldelli remarked. “If he’s throwing the ball like that, whatever his mentality is, that’s the mentality he should have because that’s the stuff of a very good major league pitcher.”
Bradley was selected by the Rays in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 2023, finishing the season with a 5.59 ERA over 23 games. This season, he has recorded a 4.82 ERA in 23 appearances split between the Twins and Rays.
As Bradley continues to refine his approach, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his newfound preparation impacts his performance in future games.
**FAQ:**
**Q: How did Taj Bradley perform in his latest game against the Padres?**
A: Taj Bradley pitched five innings, allowing one run on one hit and striking out six batters, but the Twins ultimately lost 12-3.
