HOUSTON — The Minnesota Twins were kicked hard for what feels like the umpteenth time this season, and yet they responded once again.Before Monday’s series opener, the Twins learned they’d lost one of their most reliable relievers to an injury and their offensive spark plug potentially for at least a few days.The team placed veteran reliever Anthony Banda on the 15-day injured list with a left lat strain. Twins manager Derek Shelton also announced Byron Buxton is day to day with a sore right hip after an MRI revealed an impingement.Despite losing two of their biggest veteran presences, the Twins managed to keep rolling with a 5-4 victory over the Houston Astros at Daikin Park, their third win in four tries.

RING IT 🔔 pic.twitter.com/TrT5ZCl6Kk

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 30, 2026The American League’s top-scoring offense produced a big lead on the strength of home runs from Royce Lewis, Victor Caratini and Josh Bell, while Zebby Matthews made it all work as he delivered yet another gem, providing seven outstanding innings.Though cliches were thrown around afterward about resiliency, a next-man-up mentality and picking up fallen teammates, the Twins simply could be benefiting from enjoying playing alongside one another.“I got asked about this a month and a half ago, the vibes here,” said Bell, whose two-run homer opened up a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning. “I was like, ‘Let me feel it out. It’s still early.’ This team really vibes well with one another. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve been on a lot of different teams that have cliques, little falling-outs across the course of the season. This team is definitely the closest one I’ve been on. I feel like Buxton obviously has a lot to do with it, someone who’s been here and set a foundation for the guys. It’s been a lot of fun to play on this team for sure.”Monday afternoon wasn’t particularly upbeat for the Twins. This is a close-knit team that banded together early after repeatedly hearing about being undermanned and facing low expectations. Despite key injuries to Pablo López, Ryan Jeffers, Bailey Ober, Mick Abel and Taj Bradley, the Twins have found a way to stay interesting in a watered-down American League.Banda learned that the injury to his side that resulted in his early exit Sunday is a tear of his left lat muscle and is expected to keep him sidelined for a lengthy period.