The Minnesota Twins (20-12) are set to begin their four-game series against the AL Central-rival Detroit Tigers (13-16) Friday at 1:10 p.m. ET at Comerica Park. They’ll be playing a doubleheader with Game 2 starting immediately after Game 1 on Jackie Robinson Day, so this will be a seven-inning affair. We analyze the Twins-Tigers betting odds and lines, with MLB picks and best bets.
Twins at Tigers: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Randy Dobnak vs. LHP Matthew Boyd
Dobnak: 5-1, 1.78 ERA, 1.022 WHIP, 16 K, 7 BB, 30 1/3 IP, 6 starts
- His strikeout rate has dropped from 7.3 batters per nine innings in 2019 to a worrisome 4.7 in 2020.
- Has earned five consecutive wins but has completed six innings just once.
Boyd: 0-4, 8.48 ERA, 33 K, 11 BB, 28 2/3 IP, 6 starts
- Has allowed an MLB-high 27 earned runs with eight homers.
- Has been charged with three straight losses but held the Cleveland Indians to just two runs over 5 1/3 innings his last time out.
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Twins at Tigers: Key injuries
Get the latest injury news here.
Twins
- OF Byron Buxton (shoulder) out
- 3B Josh Donaldson (calf) out
- C Mitch Garver (ribs) out
- OF Max Kepler (foot) questionable
Tigers
- 3B Harold Castro (hamstring) out
- 1B C.J. Cron (knee) out
- OF JaCoby Jones (calf) probable
Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
Twins at Tigers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Tigers 5, Twins 4
Moneyline (ML)
Take the value on the TIGERS (+140) as sizable home dogs. Dobnak’s numbers are far too good for how well he has actually pitched this season and some major regression is in store for his remaining starts. The Twins (-154) are also dealing with a multitude of key injuries.
While their lineup is deep enough and powerful enough against the likes of Boyd, they were held to three or fewer runs in each of their three games against a much stronger Cleveland Indians pitching staff.
Side with the underdog TIGERS (+140) in what should be a toss-up, seven-inning shootout.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
Liking the Tigers to win outright, we can also back DETROIT +1.5 (-129) to stay within a single run in a loss as a lesser play. Boyd is coming off his best start of the season in a hard-luck loss and the shortened game as a result of the doubleheader will limit Minnesota’s (-1.5, +105) opportunities to pull away.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the OVER 7 (-110) on a total suppressed by the shortened game. Neither starting pitcher inspires confidence. The Twins bullpen has an aggregate ERA of 3.67, but Detroit relievers combine for an ERA of 4.68.
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