Texas (32-44) at Minnesota (33-38)
When: Friday, June 22nd 2018
Where: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Time: 8:10 ET | TV: FS Southwest, FS North
Opening Odds: Minnesota -152/8.5
Last season, the Minnesota Twins got off to a sluggish start, but became the top offensive team in the majors in the second half en route to a Wild Card berth. Things are starting to look a little similar as we approach the All-Star Break, and the Twins will host the Texas Rangers in the opener of a three-game weekend series on Friday night. Minnesota just got done with a rough portion of their schedule by winning two of three each against the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox. They averaged over six runs a game in winning the first two of each series, but faltered when going for the sweep. With the offense coming around, the Twins could be getting CF Byron Buxton (fractured toe) back soon, as he played his third straight rehab game for Triple-A Rochester on Thursday and could return soon. The Rangers may be in last place in the AL West, but they’ve rattled off five straight wins after a three-game sweep in Kansas City this week. Texas will send veteran lefty Mike Minor to the mound in Friday’s opener in hopes of solving his road woes, while the Twins counter with rookie Fernando Romero.
Pitchers: Rangers – Mike Minor (4-4, 5.35 ERA) | Twins – Fernando Romero (3-2, 4.17)
Minor threw a season-high-tying 102 pitches Saturday against Colorado, limiting the Rockies to two runs on five hits over seven innings, but came away with a no-decision. It marked the first time he has allowed less than three earned runs in two months. Like I mentioned above, Minor has been atrocious away from Arlington, posting a 1-2 record with an 8.14 ERA in five starts.
Romero has been a little bit better than his stats indicate, but his problem has been not being able to go deep into games. He’s completed seven innings just once and six twice in his nine starts. Romero was limited to four innings at Cleveland on Saturday while allowing three runs and six hits in a no-decision. Romero has allowed two earned runs or less in six of his nine starts and will be seeing Texas for the first time in his career.
Texas may have the longer winning streak right now, but Minnesota is starting to turn things around. I really like this Romero kid and its only a matter of time until before he starts going deep in games. The Twins offense will have no problem getting to Minor in this one and will win easily.
Pick: Twins -120
BETTING TRENDS:
- Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 overall.
- Rangers are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
- Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 games on grass.
- Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Rangers are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. American League Central.
- Rangers are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
- Rangers are 5-2 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
- Rangers are 6-21 in their last 27 during game 1 of a series.
- Rangers are 2-5 in Minor’s last 7 starts.
- Rangers are 2-5 in Minor’s last 7 starts on grass.
- Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
- Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
- Twins are 4-1 in their last 5 games on grass.
- Twins are 14-5 in their last 19 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Twins are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
- Twins are 1-7 in their last 8 vs. American League West.
- Over is 4-0 in Rangers last 4 games following an off day.
- Under is 6-0 in Rangers last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
- Under is 5-0 in Rangers last 5 vs. American League Central.
- Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 overall.
- Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 on grass.
- Over is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 Friday games.
- Under is 15-4-2 in Rangers last 21 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
- Under is 16-5 in Rangers last 21 road games.
- Under is 8-3-1 in Rangers last 12 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
- Under is 8-3-1 in Rangers last 12 games vs. a right-handed starter.
- Under is 5-2 in Rangers last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Under is 4-1 in Minor’s last 5 starts on grass.
- Under is 4-1 in Minor’s last 5 starts overall.
- Under is 3-0-1 in Twins last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
- Under is 8-1 in Twins last 9 vs. American League West.
- Under is 5-1 in Twins last 6 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Under is 5-1-1 in Twins last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Under is 9-2 in Twins last 11 games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Over is 16-5-2 in Twins last 23 Friday games.
- Under is 15-5-1 in Twins last 21 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
- Under is 6-2-1 in Twins last 9 home games.
- Over is 5-2 in Twins last 7 during game 1 of a series.
- Rangers are 4-9 in the last 13 meetings.
