The Minnesota Twins (73-76) look to avoid being swept in a 3-game series against the Kansas City Royals (60-89) Thursday. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. ET at Kauffman Stadium. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Twins vs. Royals odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Twins lead 12-6
The Twins looked like contenders in the American League Central for much of the season but have fallen off but have lost 6 of their last 7 contests and 15 of their last 21.
The Royals finished up a road trip where they lost 5 of 6 games and are back home, where they are 36-41 on the season.
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Twins at Royals projected starters
RHP Josh Winder vs. RHP Jonathan Heasley
Winder (4-4, 4.17 ERA) makes his 13th appearance (9th start). He has a 1.26 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 5.8 K/9 through 54 IP.
- Showed some promise in his first few outings, but sports a 5.97 ERA and 15/12 K/BB across 31 2/3 IP over his last 7 appearances (6 starts)
- Has made 2 starts since rejoining the rotation and has surrendered 6 ER through 8 2/3 IP with a 6/2 K/BB and 3 HR allowed.
- Has recorded a 3.82 ERA on the road this season, but with just 16 K in 30 2/3 IP (4.7 K/9).
Heasley (3-8, 5.09 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.51 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9 and 6.3 K/9 through 88 1/3 IP.
- Tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings Friday at the Boston Red Sox last time out, but in his previous start allowed 7 ER in 4 IP vs. the Detroit Tigers
- Sporting an unsightly 6.43 ERA in 9 home starts with 8 HR allowed across 42 IP
Twins at Royals odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:17 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Twins -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Royals +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins -1.5 (+125) | Royals +1.5 (-155)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)
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Twins at Royals picks and predictions
Prediction
Twins 5, Royals 4
Money line
Though Heasley pitched well in his last start, his skills have been among the worst in the league and the Royals have lost 8 of the last 10 games in which he has started.
The Minnesota offense hasn’t been great lately, with 66 runs through 20 September games (3.3 per game), but Heasley should help wake up the bats this afternoon.
BACK THE TWINS (-135).
Run line/Against the spread
The Twins are missing a couple of key lineup pieces in OF Byron Buxton and 2B Jorge Polanco. Even against Heasley, their recent struggles suggest an offensive explosion can’t be expected.
Winder hasn’t shown strong skills either and it would be surprising if he completely shut down the Royals’ offense. This should be a close battle and while we like Minnesota’s chances to come out on top, you would be wise to PASS on the run line.
Over/Under
Both teams have been slumping offensively, but they don’t often face pitching with the soft skills today’s starters bring to the table. Both sides should have some success at the plate today and this total should push OVER 8.5 (+100).
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