Astros vs. Twins Odds
| Astros Odds | -135 |
| Twins Odds | +125 |
| Over/Under | 6.5 |
| Time | 7:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB.TV |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. | |
The Houston Astros are surging as they ride a seven-win streak into Minneapolis, where they open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins.
Meanwhile, the Twins are coming off a sweep of the visiting Oakland A's and are hoping to extend their lead in the AL Central while the Astros look to keep pace with the AL West-leading Los Angeles Angels.
Both teams have been rolling lately, so this could be one of those early-season playoff previews.
Joe Ryan and Justin Verlander will be taking the mound in what should be the marquee matchup of Tuesday's MLB slate.
Houston Astros
Over the Astros' seven-win streak, their offense is third in team wRC+, second in home runs, second in FIP, and lead the league in ERA.
However, it’s worth noting their win streak occurred over a seven-game homestand. Now they have to head on the road and face a team that is 11-4 at home. The Astros offense was also a middle-of-the-pack group on the road over the first few weeks of the season.
The Astros finally seem to be hitting their offensive stride, though — they’ve returned to full strength and have been solid over the past couple weeks. Plus, they have Verlander starting Game 1 of this series.
Verlander's overall numbers on the season are great, but he's been especially good on the road, where he has posted a 0.90 ERA and a 2.02 FIP in 20 road innings so far this season.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins have also been rolling. They are 7-3 over their last 10 and have been one of the best home offenses over the past couple weeks.
One major concern is that Byron Buxton has been listed as day-to-day with a hip strain, and it looks as though Carlos Correa will be out in the series opener.
Joe Ryan has been excellent this season, but he seems to be outpitching his peripherals at home so far this season. He has a 1.64 ERA over 11 home innings, but he has a 3.53 FIP as well — that means he may be due for some regression, but not much.
The Twins bullpen has put up excellent numbers over the past couple weeks, but their closer situation is still in flux. Emilio Pagan has gotten a fair shot at the closer role, but he has had control issues and the young fireballer Jhoan Duran may get more opportunities moving forward.
Astros-Twins Pick
This game could have a playoff feel and should be one of the better matchups on Tuesday's slate.
Considering the Twins' history of big games, their shakey closer situation, and Joe Ryan's peripherals, the Astros may have the edge in this one.
At -135, the Astros moneyline is the play. I would take it down to -145.
Pick: Astros ML
