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The Kansas City Royals (76-65) welcome the Minnesota Twins (76-64) to Kauffman Stadium for a 3-game series. First pitch in Friday’s opener is set for 8:10 p.m. ET (Apple TV+). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. Royals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Twins lead 7-3
The Twins beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to split that 4-game series. Minnesota has struggled as of late, losing 7 of its last 11 games. Despite that, it still sits 2nd in the AL Central. The Twins are 37-34 on the road and 64-76 against the spread (ATS).
The Royals beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 Wednesday, but also have been on the losing end more often recently. They sit 3rd in the AL Central after losing 7 of their last 8 games. Kansas City is 77-64 ATS and 42-30 at home, but it is 1-4 in its last 5 games at home though.
Twins at Royals projected starters
RHP Zebby Matthews vs. LHP Cole Ragans
Matthews (1-2, 7.41 ERA) makes his 5th career start. He has a 1.47 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 in 17 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 2 IP, 9 ER (9 R), 10 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 15-0 home loss to the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday
- 2024 away stats: 0-1, 3.60 ERA (5 IP, 5 R, 2 ER), 1.20 WHIP, 1.8 K/9 in 1 start
- Career vs. Royals: 1-0, 3.60 ERA (5 IP, 2 ER), 1.00 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 1 start
Ragans (10-9, 3.46 ERA) makes his 29th start. He has a 1.17 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 11.0 K/9 in 161 1/3 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 5 ER (5 R), 4 H, 2 BB, 10 K in 5-2 road loss to the Houston Astros Saturday
- 2024 home stats: 6-5, 3.83 ERA (82 1/3 IP, 35 ER), 1.24 WHIP, 11.9 K/9 in 15 starts
- Career vs. Twins: 1-2, 2.45 ERA (22 IP, 6 ER), 1.32 WHIP, 10.6 K/9 in 4 starts
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Twins at Royals odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:51 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Twins +118 (bet $100 to win $118) | Royals -138 (bet $138 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins +1.5 (-182) | Royals -1.5 (+150)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Twins at Royals picks and predictions
Prediction
Royals 5, Twins 2
Moneyline
BET ROYALS (-138).
The Royals have been solid with Ragans on the mound over the last few weeks, going 4-2 in his last 6 starts. Ragans has allowed 1 or fewer ER in 3 of his last 5 starts. The Royals got back to their winning ways Wednesday and had Thursday off so should be the more rested side as well.
The Twins have scored 9 runs in their last 3 games, so their offense hasn’t been as consistent over the last few games. Neither team has performed well over the last few weeks, but the Royals have the more trustworthy pitcher on the mound and have been solid this season at home.
Back ROYALS (-138).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
The Twins are too expensive as a run-line underdog here, almost double your wager for a unit of return. The Royals similarly are too risky as a run-line favorite.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 7.5 (-115).
Both teams have struggled offensively over the last few weeks. The Twins have scored 5 or fewer runs in 8 straight games and are 3-4-1 O/U in that stretch.
Meanwhile, the Royals are 1-4-1 O/U in their last 6 and have scored 4 or fewer runs in 7 straight and have scored 2 or fewer runs in 6 of those 7 as well. Kansas City is 0-2 O/U in Ragan’s last 2 starts as well.
Take UNDER 7.5 (-115).
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