The Philadelphia Phillies travel to Dyersville, Iowa, on Thursday, August 13, for the Field of Dreams Game against the Minnesota Twins, with first pitch set for 7:30 PM ET. Aaron Nola gets the ball for Philadelphia against Twins right-hander Taj Bradley in one of baseball's most visually distinctive settings — a cornfield ballpark carved out of an Iowa farm. The game streams nationally on Netflix and can also be heard locally on 94 WIP. It's a mid-August regular-season contest with real standings implications, and the Phillies need every win they can get.

Phillies vs. Twins: Field of Dreams Game Preview — August 13, 2026

Starting Pitching Matchup

Aaron Nola is the anchor of this Phillies rotation and has been for years. The Louisiana native is one of the most dependable starters this franchise has had in a generation — a pitcher who competes deep into counts, works quickly, and rarely beats himself. Nola's ability to command multiple pitches and generate weak contact makes him a strong fit for a game played on a short-porch, quirky field layout where limiting hard contact matters even more than usual.

On the other side, Taj Bradley is a young arm for the Twins who has shown flashes of legitimate frontline potential. Bradley's fastball-changeup combination can be a handful for right-handed hitters. The Phillies will need to be patient and stay disciplined against a pitcher who can miss bats when he's on.

Minnesota Twins Lineup to Watch

The Twins are presenting a lineup worth respecting. Byron Buxton hits second and remains one of the most electric center fielders in the game when healthy. Ryan Jeffers, batting third, has developed into a legitimate offensive catcher. Royce Lewis slides into the five-hole at first base, and Brooks Lee mans the hot corner at eight — a young infielder who has been developing in the Twins system.

• Byron Buxton (CF) — elite speed and power threat, must not be allowed to get on base and run wild on the small Iowa diamond
• Ryan Jeffers (C) — dangerous middle-of-the-order bat, especially against right-handed pitching
• Royce Lewis (1B) — when healthy, one of the more dangerous hitters in the American League
• Taj Bradley (RHP) — command and fastball life will determine how long he can keep the Phillies offense at bay

Keys to the Game for Philadelphia

• Nola must attack the strike zone early and avoid deep counts against a lineup that features legitimate on-base threats at the top
• The Phillies offense needs to identify Bradley's fastball location early — his effectiveness hinges on whether he can locate it down in the zone
• Baserunning discipline will matter on this unique field; the Phillies cannot afford mistakes on the bases in a tight game
• Bullpen management is critical — the Phillies need length from Nola to preserve a rested relief corps

Prediction

Aaron Nola in a nationally televised game, under the lights, on one of baseball's most iconic temporary stages — that's a good bet for Philadelphia. Nola is built for moments like this. He keeps the ball in the park, competes through traffic, and rarely has a blow-up inning. If the Phillies offense gets to Bradley at least twice before he settles in, this game sets up well for a Phillies win. Phillies 4, Twins 2.