The Minnesota Twins (31-32) and Toronto Blue Jays (36-28) open a 3-game set Friday at Rogers Centre. First pitch is at 7:07 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. Blue Jays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Blue Jays lead 2-1
Minnesota has lost 5 in a row after being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Twins were outscored 13-3 in the series and have scored just 7 runs in the last 6 games. They’re still clinging to a 1 1/2-game lead in the AL Central in a rough part of their schedule. This is the 6th consecutive series against a team in reach of a playoff spot, and they have 2 with Milwaukee after this set before hitting a soft spot in the schedule.
Toronto is on a roll with 7 victories in the last 8 games and sit a half-game out of a Wild-Card spot in the loaded American League. They’re winning close games, too, as closer Jordan Romano has 7 saves since May 26. Toronto is 10-3 vs. the AL Central and 18-11 at home this year.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Twins at Blue Jays projected starters
RHP Sonny Gray vs. LHP Yusei Kikuchi
Gray (4-1, 2.15 ERA) makes his 13th start of 2023. He has a 1.22 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 in 67 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 10 H, 0 BB, 2 K vs. Cleveland Guardians Saturday
- Last 5 starts vs. Toronto: 0-1, 4.43 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 25 K in 22 1/3 IP
Kikuchi (6-2, 4.40 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.37 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 8.8 K/9 in 61 1/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 8 K vs. New York Mets Sunday
- Has made 4 career starts vs. Twins: 1-1, 3.32 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 22 K in 21 2/3 IP
Twins at Blue Jays odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:05 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Twins +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Blue Jays -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins +1.5 (-185) | Blue Jays -1.5 (+150)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 9/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!
Twins at Blue Jays picks and predictions
Prediction
Blue Jays 4, Twins 2
Moneyline
Gray allowed his 1st HR of the season in his last start. He has allowed at least 2 ER in 4 straight starts and isn’t quite as lethal on the road with a 2.88 ERA as opposed to 1.71 at home. The Jays do more than just mash home runs as they’re 11th at 1.20 per game and 4th in BA at .263. Gray keeps the Twins in it, but Toronto is just a bit better offensively.
Take the BLUE JAYS -125.
Run line/Against the spread
I’m not feeling either side of the RL today. Both teams have quality bullpens with Minnesota 6th with a 3.44 ERA, and Toronto is 8th at 3.63. Romano might be iffy Friday as he pitched the last 2 days, but you could make a case he’s available after throwing just 7 pitches Thursday.
There is a prop I like, though. Gray has gone at least 6 innings in 2 straight starts. He just has to limit the walks, and he has just 5 K’s in those outings. I’ll take SONNY GRAY OVER 16.5 OUTS (+105), meaning he’ll need to pitch 5 2/3 innings for a plus-money return.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Over/Under
The Twins have had trouble scoring, cashing 6 straight Unders. Toronto has cashed 3 straight Unders and 7 of 9. Two good starters and 2 good bullpens in a dome, I’ll side with the UNDER 8.5 (+100).
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]