Twins vs. Blue Jays Odds
Twins Odds | +135 |
Blue Jays Odds | -160 |
Over/Under | 8.5 (-120 / +100) |
Time | 3:07 p.m. ET |
TV | MLB.TV |
Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute MLB odds here. |
The Minnesota Twins snapped the Toronto Blue Jays' eight-game win streak on Friday night and look to earn the series victory on Saturday afternoon.
The Blue Jays got a vintage performance from Yusei Kikuchi on Friday, and by vintage, I mean bad. The Twins' offense jumped on Kikuchi early and never let off the gas en route to a 9-3 victory
Dylan Bundy will get the start for the Twins and Jose Berrios will start for the Jays against his former team in the second game of the series.
The Jays are still 8-2 over their past 10 games and the Twins are just 4-6 over their past 10.
Minnesota Twins: Can Offense Keep it Rolling?
The Twins had a sort of surprising offensive showing on Friday night considering they are without Carlos Correa and Max Kepler for this series. However, Yusei Kikuchi's peripherals indicated he was due for regression, so perhaps that explains the Twins' outburst.
Despite a revolving door of offensive players, the Twins have put together a respectable 106 team wRC+ over the past couple of weeks. They will be taking on Jose Berrios, who has been up and down this season.
Dylan Bundy will get the start for the Twins and he's had a really hard time on the road this year, having posted a 7.50 ERA and a 4.89 FIP over 25 innings. The FIP may indicate he's due for some positive regression, but anything approaching five still isn't great.
Also, the Twins bullpen was weakened by having to cover innings Friday night following Chi Chi Gonzales. Additionally, three of relievers did not travel to Canada because they are not vaccinated, which leaves the Twins' pitching staff without … a boost.
Toronto Blue Jays: Bats Starting to Live up to Hype
Despite the slip up on Friday, the Blue Jays are starting to live up to expectations — especially on the offensive side of the ball.
After a slow start, the Blue Jays have posted a 125 team wRC+ at home against right handers over the past few weeks, good for eighth in MLB. George Springer also returned to the lineup Friday night after a two-game absence and he is a catalyst for the Jays' offense.
Jose Berrios is on the mound for the Jays and his stronger splits are at home. He has a 3.15 ERA and a 4.34 FIP at home this season, which is adequate, but not ace-type numbers.
The Jays' bullpen has posted the seventh-best ERA over the past couple of weeks, but their FIP over that same time period indicates they've been experiencing some luck as well. Overall, the Jays bullpen has been below average and this could be an issue in a close game.
Twins-Blue Jays Pick
Considering the inconsistencies of both starting pitchers, the Twins weakened bullpen and the Jays' shaky bullpen, it's hard to give a decisive edge to either pitching staff.
On the other hand, both offenses are playing well of late and it seems the over of nine runs should be achievable. The Jays are the favorites, but their moneyline, sitting in the -160 range, does not have much appeal. The runline doesn't seem safe, so the over, which is in the -120 range, should be the best play. However, you should only play it at -125 at the most.
Pick: Over 9 -120