In a remarkable display of resilience, the injury-riddled Minnesota Twins managed to emerge victorious against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday afternoon, despite missing several key players. With catcher Christian Vázquez stepping up to play at third base, the Twins showcased their determination and depth to secure a 4-2 win in front of a crowd of 32,582 at Oracle Park.

Carlos Santana played a crucial role in the victory, as he homered at all 30 active ballparks, including a go-ahead round-tripper in this game. The Twins' bullpen also played a significant part, delivering 4 2/3 scoreless innings to even the series at one game apiece.

The Twins, who were without Carlos Correa, Jose Miranda, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis, continue to face challenges as they approach the All-Star break with a record of 54-41. To bolster their chances, the team has decided to purchase the contract of infielder Diego A. Castillo and place Miranda on the 10-day IL due to lower-back stiffness, according to manager Rocco Baldelli.

The past 10 days have been particularly rough for the Twins' health, with several key players suffering injuries. Correa, an All-Star selection, had to be scratched from Saturday's lineup due to a right heel contusion. While his status for Tuesday's exhibition game is yet to be determined, it is unlikely that he will play in the final game before the All-Star break.

In addition to Correa, the Twins have had to deal with multiple injuries. Infielder Kyle Farmer was placed on the 10-day IL with a right-shoulder strain, while catcher Ryan Jeffers suffered both a bruised foot and a swollen hand during Saturday's game. However, initial X-rays revealed no broken bones in Jeffers' hand.

Jose Miranda's lower-back issue has worsened, leading the Twins to decide to place him on the IL. Fortunately, his recovery time will be minimal, and he is expected to miss only one game after the All-Star break.

Byron Buxton, who missed Saturday's game due to a sore elbow from a collision with the wall, showed signs of improvement during the game, according to Baldelli.

Despite these setbacks, the Twins showcased their resilience and team spirit. Vázquez's performance at an unfamiliar position was singled out by his teammates, who expressed their admiration for his efforts. The game itself was not without drama, with the umpiring crew having to review potential home runs multiple times.

The Twins' bullpen proved to be a driving force behind the win, with Jhoan Duran delivering an impressive outing and recording pitches that exceeded 101 mph, including a blazing 103.9 mph fastball. Cole Sands, Jorge Alcalá, and Griffin Jax also contributed to the scoreless innings that kept the Twins ahead.

The Twins managed to secure a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning, but the Giants fought back to tie the game. However, thanks to Santana's home run and solid defensive plays by Vázquez and rookie Brooks Lee, the Twins were able to hold on to their lead and secure the victory.

Manager Rocco Baldelli expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance despite the challenging circumstances. He commended the players who stepped up to fill in unusual positions and highlighted the resilience of his team.

With injuries continuing to mount, the Minnesota Twins will face their next challenge as they aim to salvage another series victory in Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants.