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ALDS Game 2: Minnesota Twins at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Minnesota Twins at Houston Astros Game 2 odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

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The Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros play Game 2 of their best-of-5 AL Division series at Minute Maid Park Sunday. First pitch is at 8:03 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

ALDS: Astros lead 1-0 | Regular-season series: Twins won 4-2

The Astros took Game 1 by a 6-4 count as they won their 10th straight Game 1 of a division series. RHP Justin Verlander won his 10th postseason game with the club to break the franchise record. He pitched 6 shutout innings and struck out 6.

The Twins gave it a run when JV exited after the 6th inning. 3B Jorge Polanco hit a 2-out, 3-run shot and DH Royce Lewis followed with a solo HR as Minnesota cut it 5-4, but the Twins offense ran out of gas. It was their 1st loss this postseason.

They call on their horse, RHP Pablo Lopez, in Game 2 to try to even the series.

Twins at Astros projected starters

RHP Pablo Lopez vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Lopez went 11-8 with a 3.66 ERA in 32 starts this season. He had a 1.16 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 10.9 K/9 in 194 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 5 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K in 3-1 Wild Card Game 1 victory against Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday
  • One career start vs. Astros: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K in Miami Marlins 7-4 road victory June 10, 2022

Valdez went 12-11 with a 3.45 ERA in 31 starts. He had a 1.13 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 9.1 K/9 in 198 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, 7 K in 8-3 road win at Seattle Mariners Sept. 27
  • Career vs. Twins (regular season): 3-1, 2.37 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 8.0 K/9 in 4 starts

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Twins at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:18 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Twins +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Astros -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins +1.5 (-185) | Astros -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Twins at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, Twins 2

Moneyline

The Astros are the masterclass in just about every category in this matchup. The Twins’ only chance is for Lopez to come and shove for 7 or 8 innings because they simply don’t have the bats to keep up. I look for Minnesota to take 1 in this series, but it won’t be here.

TAKE ASTROS (-135) to put the Twins on the brink.

Run line/Against the spread

The Astros covered the RL in Game 1 and have now won 5 games in a row. Nine of the last 10 meetings with these teams have resulted in multiple-run finishes. The carrot is there for me to chase at +150 with a $10 bet profiting $15.

TAKE ASTROS -1.5 (+150) — divvy up 1½ units between this play and the Astros ML wager.

Over/Under

The Over cashed in Game 1 as Houston’s bullpen made it interesting. The Over is 5-4-1 in the last 10 meetings between the clubs. With this pitching matchup, though, I see a low-scoring affair. The O/U line was 8 but has since dropped ½ run. Eight is definitely a pretty hefty number with the caliber of arms going.

TAKE UNDER 7.5 (+100) at even-money.

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ALDS Game 1: Minnesota Twins at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota Twins at Houston Astros Game 1 odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Twins are coming off a 2-0 home sweep of Toronto and will square off against the Houston Astros in a best-of-5 AL Division Series. The two teams will get started Saturday at 4:45 p.m. ET at Minute Maid Park (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Regular-season series: Twins won 4-2

Minnesota ran away with the AL Central title and finished strong. Including the Wild Card sweep of the Blue Jays, the Twins have won 10 of their last 13 games.

Houston finished the season with 4 straight wins to edge out Texas for the AL West crown. However, the Astros went 4-13 in their last 17 home games and finished with a losing record (39-42) at Minute Maid Park.

Twins at Astros projected starters

RHP Bailey Ober vs. RHP Justin Verlander

Ober went 8-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 26 starts during the season.  He registered a 1.07 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 9.1 K/9 in 144 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 9 K in 3-2 loss at Colorado Rockies Oct. 1
  • Road stats: 5-3, 3.57 ERA (68 IP, 27 ER), 9.9 K/9 in 12 starts
  • Wasn’t on Wild Card roster as Twins would need just 3 starters at most
  • Gets nod in Game 1 against Houston, a team he faced twice in career, allowing 5 ER in 10 IP (2 starts) with 2 no-decisions in 2021

Verlander went 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA across 27 starts during the regular season for the New York Mets (16 starts) and Astros. He recorded a 1.13 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 through 162 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 5 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 1-0 victory at Arizona Diamondbacks Sept. 30
  • In 6 starts in Houston this season (5 with Astros, 1 with Mets), registered a 4.97 ERA (38 IP, 21 ER) with an outstanding 36/3 K/BB ratio, but 8 HR allowed
  • Career vs. Twins: 22-10, 2.76 ERA (267 2/3 IP, 82 ER), 1.12 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 40 starts — didn’t face them in 2023 but tossed 14 scoreless innings in 2 starts during the 2022 season

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Twins at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:56 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Twins +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Astros -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins +1.5 (-155) | Astros -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Twins at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 5, Astros 4

Moneyline

The Twins are a roll and ended the season with 11 wins in their last 16 road games. Ober has been solid all season and over his final 4 starts, put up a 2.08 ERA (21 2/3 IP, 5 ER) with 26 K’s vs. 3 walks.

Verlander has had another nice year as well, albeit with a drop-off in his whiffs — 144 this season compared to 185 in 2022.

Houston hasn’t been as dominant as usual at home this season, and this looks like a toss-up. Side with the underdog and TAKE MINNESOTA (+135).

Run line/Against the spread

AVOID.

This sets up to be a tight game but there’s not enough value in taking +1.5 runs, or in laying 1.5 runs on either side Play this one straight up and PASS.

Over/Under

Both starting pitchers are strong, but so are the offenses as they each ranked top 6 in wRC+ vs. right-handed pitching this season. Though the Twins scored just 5 runs in their 2-game sweep of Toronto, they scored 50 runs in their final 7 regular-season games (7.1 per game).

Both offenses should do their part in pushing this total just OVER 7.5 (-110).

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AL Wild Card Series Game 2: Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins Game 2 odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

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The Toronto Blue Jays (89-73) and Minnesota Twins (87-75) continue their best-of-3 AL Wild Card series  on Tuesday. First pitch at Target Field in Minneapolis is slated for 4:38 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s  lines around the Blue Jays vs. Twins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Series: Twins lead 1-0; teams split 6 games during the regular season

Toronto struggled the last few weeks of the season and went 10-19 with a .684 OPS in its last 29 games. The Blue Jays were held to 1 run in a 3-1 setback in Tuesday’s series opener.

The Twins got 2 home runs from DH Royce Lewis in the Game 1 win. Since Sept. 19, Minnesota is 9-3 in its last 12 games and 5-2 in its last 7 contests at Target Field.

Blue Jays at Twins projected starters

RHP Jose Berrios vs. RHP Sonny Gray

Berrios logged 32 starts in the regular season. He went 11-12, notching a 3.65 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 189 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 10 K in 6-0 home loss vs. the New York Yankees last Wednesday; owns a 4.53 ERA over his last 7 starts
  • 2023 road stats: 5-6, 3.97 ERA in 99 2/3 IP across 17 starts
  • Last 5 starts vs. Twins: 3-1, 4.03 ERA in 29  IP (2021-23)
  • Owns a 3.75 ERA in 12 career postseason innings

Gray made 32 starts in the regular season, going 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA . He registered a 1.15 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 9 K/9 across 184 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K in 2-1 home loss vs. Oakland Athletics Thursday
  • 2023 home stats: 4-5, 2.67 ERA in 97 2/3 IP across 17 starts
  • Last 5 starts vs. Blue Jays: 0-1, 4.24 ERA in 23 1/3 IP (2018-23)
  • Owns a 2.95 ERA in 21 1/3 career postseason innings (2013, 2017)

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Blue Jays at Twins odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines updated at 1:02 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Blue Jays +124 (bet $100 to win $124) | Twins -146 (bet $146 to win $100)
    Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-178) | Twins -1.5 (+146)
    Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -102 | U: -120)

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Blue Jays at Twins picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 5, Blue Jays 4

Moneyline

Minnesota is the all-around lean for the series, but the pricing might not be great for this 2nd game after the Tuesday win and with a likely overvalued  Gray twirling for the home nine.

PASS.

Run line/Against the spread

A PASS is the suggestion, but the tag here is noteworthy if you can’t chip away as much at Gray: bettors siding with the Twins might consider this Minnesota -1.5 action if the return is +165 or better.

Over/Under

The season analytic numbers for these clubs reveal they have both slightly overperformed in run prevention while underperforming at the plate. Add in 2 fade-able starting pitchers for this game and some bullpen back-end types not being available after 9 total relievers were used Tuesday, and the Over figures to bring value.

Both Berrios and Gray benefited from left-on-base rates over 76%. Gray has gotten by with fly balls leaving the yard at a tiny 5.2% rate. Both pitchers have expected-ERA figures in the 4.00 range.

On a warmed-up-weather day in Minneapolis, BACK THE OVER 8 (-102).

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AL Wild Card Series Game 1: Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins Game 1 odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

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The Toronto Blue Jays (89-73) and Minnesota Twins (87-75) meet Tuesday to open a best-of-3 AL Wild Card Series. First pitch at Target Field in Minneapolis is slated for 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s  lines around the Blue Jays vs. Twins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 3-3

Toronto scuffled over the last few weeks of the season, going 10-19 with a .684 OPS since Sept. 11. Toronto sports a lesser lineup than perhaps what was expected, but the Jays have been above average with their pitching and defense. Their 4.14 runs per game (RPG) rank 6th in the league.

The Twins re tied for MLB’s 3rd-best runs-allowed figure (4.07 RPG). The  AL Central champions edged the Jays 28-26 in scoring over their 3-3 split during the season.

Blue Jays at Twins projected starters

RHP Kevin Gausman vs. RHP Pablo Lopez

Gausman made 31starts in the regular season. He was 12-9 with a 3.16 ERA, while logging a 1.18 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 11.5 K/9 in 185 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K in 2-0 home loss vs. the New York Yankees last Tuesday; pitched 13 shutout innings over his last 2 regular-season starts
  • 2023 road stats: 7-5, 3.27 ERA in 85 1/3 IP across 15 starts; owns a 2.60 ERA, 1.10 WHIP on the road over the last 3 season
  • Career vs. Twins: 1-4, 6.35 ERA in 56 2/3  IP (2014-23)
  • Owns a 4.57 ERA in 21 2/3 career postseason innings

Lopez made 32 starts in the regular season, going 11-8 with a 3.66 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 10.9 K/9 in 194 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K in 6-4 home win vs. the Oakland Athletics Wednesday
  • 2023 home stats: 5-3, 4.21 ERA in 98 1/3 IP
  • Career vs. Blue Jays: 1-0, 5.59 ERA in 9 2/3 IP
  • In 5 career postseason IP: 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 7 K

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Blue Jays at Twins odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines updated at 1:03 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Blue Jays +104 (bet $100 to win $104) | Twins -122 (bet $122 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jays +1.5 (-220) | Twins -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Blue Jays at Twins picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 4, Blue Jays 3

Moneyline

Minnesota is 8-3 over its last 11 games and 4-2 across its last 4 at home.

Gausman has a solid ERA of late (2.86 over last 6 starts), but that figure is buoyed by some kind rates around the margins. The veteran right-hander has not been hit hard lately, but he is prone to more fly balls and spells of more frequent barreled contact.

The Twins have averaged 4.80 runs per game while allowing 4.07. Their overall record has been hurt by an inexplicable 19-27 mark in 1-run games. But Minnesota has had the better bullpen over the last month or so.

The price here offers value: BACK MINNESOTA (+104).

Run line/Against the spread

Look to the Moneyline for slightly better value in this one: PASS.

Over/Under

The season analytic numbers for these clubs reveal they have both slightly overperformed in run prevention while underperforming at the plate. In a vacuum, or especially with some starting pitching slated toward an Over, that would be the lean.

That’s not the case for Game 1 with this particular pair of starters.

PASS.

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Minnesota Twins at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Minnesota Twins at Cincinnati Reds odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Twins (80-72) and Cincinnati Reds (79-74) meet Wednesday for the finale of a 3-game series. First pitch from Great American Ball Park is set for 12:35 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

Minnesota won 7-0 in Tuesday’s contest vs. Cincinnati, furthering their chances of being the only AL Central representative in the playoffs. With Tuesday’s win the Twins now sit 8 games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians as they look win the division for the 3rd time in 5 seasons.

Tuesday’s loss puts the Reds 1 game behind the Chicago Cubs for 2nd-place in the NL Central and a half-game behind the Miami Marlins for the final Wild Card spot. If the playoffs started today, Cincinnati would not be in.

Twins at Reds projected starters

RHP Bailey Ober vs. RHP Hunter Greene

Ober (7-6, 3.67 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 in 127 2/3 innings.

  • Last outing: Win, 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 6 K in a 10-2 road win Friday vs. the Chicago White Sox
  • Career vs. Cincinnati: 0-0, 8.31 ERA (4 1/3 IP, 4 ER), 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 1 start

Greene (4-6, 4.45 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.40 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 12 K/9 in 97 innings.

  • Last outing: No-decision, 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 K in a 5-3 road win Friday vs. the New York Mets
  • First career start vs. Minnesota

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Twins at Reds odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:04 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Twins -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Reds -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins -1.5 (+155) | Reds +1.5 (-190)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Twins at Reds picks and predictions

Prediction

Reds 7, Twins 4

Moneyline

LEAN REDS (-115).

This is a tough game to call, but I like the Reds to win here at home as they are fighting for a playoff birth. The Reds have struggled at home this year, with a 37-40 home record, but the Twins are just as bad on the road at 37-40. Cincinnati has also won in Greene’s last 3 starts while the Twins lost in Ober’s lone career start vs. the Reds.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I like the Reds to cover here but at +1.5 (-190) the line is not worth the risk. Bet on the moneyline and/or total instead.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 9 (-110).

The Over hit the 1st game, the Under in the 2nd game. The Over is 8-1-1 in the last 10 Reds-Twins meetings since 2018 and the Over and 5-0-1 in the Reds’ last 6 wins vs. Minnesota since then. The Over also is 4-1 in Ober’s last 5 starts overall.

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Minnesota Twins at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Minnesota Twins at Cincinnati Reds odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Twins (79-72) and Cincinnati Reds (79-73) play the 2nd game of a 3-game set at Great American Ball Park Tuesday. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Reds lead 1-0

The Twins dropped the series opener 7-3 Monday. They are 11-9 over the last 20 games and still hold a 7-game lead in the AL Central with 11 to go.

The Reds have won 6 of 8 and are tied with the Chicago Cubs for the final NL Wild Card spot. The Cubs hold the tiebreaker, though. Chicago is facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, which applies pressure to the Reds facing the 1st-place Twins. Cincinnati is 27-15 in interleague play.

Twins at Reds projected starters

RHP Kenta Maeda vs. RHP Fernando Cruz

Maeda (5-7, 4.50 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.22 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 9.8 K/9 through 96 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 8 K Thursday against Chicago White Sox
  • 4 career starts vs. Reds: 2-1, 5.06 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 24 K in 21 1/3 IP

Cruz (1-1, 4.05 ERA) makes his 2nd start and 54th appearance. He has a 1.17 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 13.2 K/9 through 60 IP.

  • Last appearance: 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K on 17 pitches Saturday vs. New York Mets
  • 2023 home/road splits: 1-1, 4.97 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 14.3 K/9 in 29 home IP; 0-0, 3.19 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 12.2 K/9 in 31 road IP

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Twins at Reds odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 9:27 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Twins -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Reds +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins -1.5 (+125) | Reds +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Twins at Reds picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 6, Reds 4

Moneyline

The Reds are at a decent value, but I don’t trust them in a bullpen game. Their ‘pen is 14th in baseball with a 3.90 ERA, and GABP is a bandbox. The Twins have scored 4 or more runs in 7 of 10 games, and I think Maeda will be just good enough to secure the victory.

Take the TWINS (-145).

Run line/Against the spread

The Twins are 40-36 on the RL on the road this season. They have only won 4 of the last 10 against the Reds over the last 5 years, but each of those wins were by 2 or more runs.

Go easy, but I’ll take the TWINS -1.5 (+125) or a HALF-UNIT.

Over/Under

The Over has cashed in 7 of 10 for the Twins, and the Reds are 5-4-1 O/U during the same stretch. The Over is 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings between the teams. The Over has cashed in Maeda’s last 5 starts.

That’s enough for me to believe. Take the OVER 9.5 (+100).

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Minnesota Twins at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Minnesota Twins at Cincinnati Reds odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Twins (79-71) and the Cincinnati Reds (78-73) open a 3-game interleague series at Great American Ball Park Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting since splitting 4 games in 2021

The Twins picked up 3 wins in a 4-game road series against the Chicago White Sox over the weekend, inching closer to the AL Central title. Minnesota is 7 games clear of the 2nd-place Cleveland Guardians with 12 regular-season games remaining.

The Reds picked up 2 wins in the past 3 games in a road series against the New York Mets over the weekend. Cincinnati is currently a half-game back of the Chicago Cubs for the final NL Wild Card spot, but the Cubs have a game in hand. The Reds have just 11 games left in the regular season.

Twins at Reds projected starters

RHP Joe Ryan vs. RHP Connor Phillips

Ryan (10-9, 4.20 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 10.9 K/9 in 145 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 3-2 home win vs. the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday
  • 2023 home splits: 4-5, 4.67 ERA (69 1/3 IP, 36 ER), 16 HR, .256 opponent batting average (OBA) in 13 starts

Phillips (0-0, 8.31 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.85 WHIP, 6.2 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9 in 8 2/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 3 K in 4-3 road win vs. the Detroit Tigers Wednesday
  • 2023 home splits: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 6 H (2 HR), 2 BB, 7 K in 7-6 home win vs. the Seattle Mariners in his MLB debut Sept. 5

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Twins at Reds odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:34 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Twins -148 (bet $148 to win $100) | Reds +126 (bet $100 to win $126)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins -1.5 (+104) | Reds +1.5 (-125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Twins at Reds picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 7, Reds 4

Moneyline

The TWINS (-148) are a moderate favorite in Monday’s interleague series opener, as the Reds have the shaky rookie Phillips on the hill against the more established Ryan.

Minnesota has picked up 10 wins in the past 15 interleague series games but Cincinnati is also 10-5 in the past 15 outings against the AL. The difference is the starting pitching.

Run line/Against the spread

The TWINS -1.5 (+104) are a decent play at plus money in this interleague road opener.

Minnesota is 6-3 in the past 9 games as a favorite and has covered the run in 3 of the past 4 games when favored.

Cincinnati is just 5-5 in the past 10 games as an underdog and is 6-4 on the run line in those contests.

Over/Under

The OVER 9.5 (-110) is the lean, but go lightly, as that’s a big number.

The Twins have cashed the Over in 4 of the past 5 games overall, scoring 4 or more runs in 5 straight contests.

For the Reds, there is a slight 3-2-1 edge to the Over in the previous 6 outings, while going 4-1 in the past 5 interleague contests.

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Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Twins (76-70) and Chicago White Sox (56-90) open a 4-game set Thursday at Guaranteed Rate Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Twins vs. White Sox odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Twins lead 6-3

The Twins lost 5-4 as +107 home underdogs vs. the Tampa Bay Rays as the Over (8.5) cashed Wednesday. Minnesota has lost 3 of its last 4 games but still owns a 7½-game lead over the 2nd-place Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central.

The White Sox lost 7-1 as -148 home favorites vs. the Kansas City Royals as the Under (9.5) hit Wednesday. The White Sox have lost 4 of their last 5 games and have been eliminated from the postseason.

Twins at White Sox projected starters

RHP Kenta Maeda vs. RHP José Ureña

Maeda (4-7, 4.65 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 in 89 innings.

  • Last start: Win, 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K in 8-4 home victory vs. New York Mets Saturday
  • 2023 road stats: 1-5, 3.42 ERA (47 1/3 IP, 18 ER) in 10 starts
  • Career vs. White Sox: 2-2, 5.58 ERA (30 2/3 IP, 19 ER) in 6 starts

Ureña (0-5, 8.46 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 2.10 WHIP, 6.4 BB/9 and 4.8 K/9 in 22 1/3 innings with the White Sox and Colorado Rockies.

  • Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K in 3-1 loss at Detroit Tigers Saturday
  • 2023 home stats: 0-2, 8.76 ERA (12 1/3 IP, 12 ER) in 3 starts (all with Rockies)
  • Career vs. Twins: 0-1, 6.57 ERA (12 1/3 IP, 9 ER) in 3 starts and 1 relief appearance

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Twins at White Sox odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:19 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Twins -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | White Sox +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Twins -1.5 (-120) | White Sox +1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Twins at White Sox picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 4, White Sox 3

Moneyline

The Twins (-190) should beat the White Sox for the 5th straight time, especially with Ureña on the mound for Chicago. However, the price on Twins (-190) moneyline is too high.

PASS. Bet the run line and/or the total instead.

Run line/Against the spread

Ureña has struggled the last 2 seasons and will probably allow multiple runs on Thursday, but I would be more uncomfortable betting the Twins to win a road game by 2 or more runs. Minnesota is barely above .500 as a road favorite this season (18-17 straight up) and is just 15-20 on the run line, according to TeamRankings.com.

While betting on Ureña has not been profitable this season, he did look good last time out in his 1st start with the White Sox.

BET WHITE SOX +1.5 (+100).

Over/Under

The Under is 22-16-2 (57.9%) when the White Sox are home underdogs this season. Ureña gave up just 1 earned run last time out, and Maeda has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in 11 of his 18 starts this season.

BET UNDER 9 (-105).

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Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Tampa Bay Rays (89-57) and Minnesota Twins (76-69) wrap up a 3-game series at Target Field Wednesday. First pitch is slated for 1:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Twins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rays lead 4-1

Tampa Bay’s 4-game win streak was snapped on Tuesday in a 3-2 loss to the Twins. The Rays look to win their 8th series in their last 9 on Wednesday afternoon. They are 39-32 away from Tropicana Field this season.

The Twins snapped a 4-game losing streak to the Rays on Tuesday behind a 2-run blast in the 7th inning from CF Will Castro. Minnesota hopes to end their 6-game homestand above .500 with a win on Wednesday. They are 43-31 at Target Field this season.

Rays at Twins projected starters

RHP Taj Bradley vs. LHP Dallas Keuchel

Bradley (5-7, 5.44 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 11.6 K/9 in 86 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 6 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 7-4 home victory against the Seattle Mariners Friday
  • Has never started against the Twins
  • 2023 road stats: 2-4, 5.09 ERA (46 IP, 26 ER), .257 OBA in 10 starts

Keuchel (1-1, 4.78 ERA) will make his 6th start and 7th appearance. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 4.8 K/9 in 26 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 5-2 home win against the New York Mets Friday
  • Has not started against the Rays since 2021
  • 2023 home stats: 1-0, 1.27 ERA (21 1/3 IP, 3 ER), .221 opponent batting average (OBA) in 4 games

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Rays at Twins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 11:48 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rays -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Twins +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+125) | Twins +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Rays at Twins picks and predictions

Prediction

Rays 6, Twins 4

Moneyline

BET RAYS (-125).

I’m simply betting the better team in this game. Yes, the Twins got the monkey off their back on Tuesday by finally beating Tampa for the 1st time this season. I think that sets up perfectly for the Rays to get back on track and finish out this series with a win.

Run line/Against the spread

BET RAYS -1.5 (+125).

I like them to win straight up and I think they win comfortably on Wednesday afternoon. Keuchel is a career 2-6 against the Rays with a 4.72 ERA in 10 starts. The Rays are 20-8 against left handers (batting .261 as a team) this season which means this lineup will do damage against the old southpaw.

Over/Under

PASS.

I’m going to save my money for the moneyline and run line for this one. If I had a lean, it would be the Over with 2 sub-par pitchers taking the mound. Bradley has allowed at least 3 ER in 3 of his last 4 starts and Keuchel gives up big numbers to the tune of at least 5 ER in 4 of his last 7 starts.

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Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Twins (75-69) welcome the Tampa Bay Rays (89-56) to Target Field Tuesday for the 2nd game of a 3-game series. First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Twins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rays lead 4-0

Tampa Bay, which swept the Twins at home from June 6-8, beat them 7-4 on Monday. The Rays sit 2nd in the AL East, 3 1/2 games behind the Baltimore Orioles. Tampa Bay is 6-4 over its last 10 games and is 38-31 on the road.

The Twins lead the AL Central by 7 1/2 games over the Cleveland Guardians. Minnesota is 6-4 in its last 10 games and is 42-30 at home this season.

Rays at Twins projected starters

RHP Zack Littell vs. RHP Joe Ryan

Littell (3-5, 4.29 ERA) makes his 25th appearance and 12th start. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 0.8 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 in 71 1/3 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 8 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 1-0 home loss vs. the Seattle Mariners Thursday
  • 2023 road stats: 2-3, 3.60 ERA in 35 IP in 13 appearances (6 starts)

Ryan (10-9, 4.21 ERA) makes his 26th start. He has a 1.12 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9 in 141 innings.

  • Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 2-1 road loss vs. the Cleveland Guardians Wednesday
  • 2023 home stats: 6-4, 3.77 ERA in 71 2/3 IP in 12 starts

Rays at Twins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 11:56 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rays +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Twins -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-190) | Twins -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Rays at Twins picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 5, Rays 4

Moneyline

BET TWINS (-135).

The Twins lost to the Rays on Monday, but their offense has been electric as of late. They have scored 8 or more in 3 of their last 7 games and 5 or more in 4 of their last 7. They are also 13-12 with Ryan starting, and he has allowed 2 ER or less in his last 3  starts.

The Rays are 10-14 in games Littell is on the mound and 2-4 in his last 6 starts. Given Minnesota’s offensive explosiveness lately and the difference in pitching, back TWINS (-135).

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

It is not easy to consistently cover as a home favorite. The Twins are just 28-24 ATS in this situation. Despite the odds, the moneyline presents more value here. Tampa Bay is 12-8 ATS as a road underdog as well.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 8.5 (-105).

Both teams have been strong offensively lately. The Twins are 6-3 O/U over their last 9 games while the Rays are 4-0 O/U in their last 4 games and 6-2 O/U in their last 8. Tampa Bay is 78-63-4 O/U on the season. Also, the Rays have scored 6 or more runs in 4 straight games.

Given the high-octane bats for both sides, back OVER 8.5 (-105).

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