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Another inter-league matchup is on tap this Saturday as the Minnesota Twins continue their road trip out in the desert to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Don't forget to check out our MLB odds series, where our Twins-Diamondbacks prediction and pick will be unveiled.
After an uncharacteristic off game where Minnesota was beat down by Arizona 7-2 in game one, the still first-place Twins will look to bounce back quickly by sending out a scuffling Dylan Bundy, who is just 3-3 with a below-average 5.87 ERA.
No doubt, the Diamondbacks were horrendous a season ago. After 162 games in 2021, Arizona stood at 52-110. Through 66 games this year, the D-Backs have turned rock bottom expectations into hopes of competing for a possible NL Wild Card spot. On the bump in this one for Arizona will be RHP Luke Weaver and his 1-0 record with a 4.91 ERA in one lone start on the year.
Here are the Twins-Diamondbacks MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Twins-Diamondbacks Odds
Minnesota Twins: -1.5 (+140)
Arizona Diamondbacks: +1.5 (-170)
Over: 9 (-110)
Under: 9 (-110)
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Why The Twins Could Cover the Spread
Currently 2-2 on the road trip and 7-6 in their previous 13 games, the Twins have been rather inconsistent as of late. Minnesota will put up a stellar performance and look the part of a championship-contending team only to lay eggs in games like yesterday where they were not sharp and made many costly mistakes that ultimately did them in. Despite the lack of stability, the potential is certainly there.
Minnesota is led by an array of playmakers at the plate-like second-baseman Luis Arraez who leads the club with a .357 average, outfielder Byron Buxton and his plentiful 19 home runs on the season, and even shortstop Jorge Polanco who is turning out to have a fantastic campaign. With this many weapons to go around, Minnesota can put the hurt on any pitcher they face. Whether it's a starter or a member of the bullpen, the Twins are no joke at the dish.
Even with the lack of quality starts (13) on the year, the Twins are also efficient on the mound. With the twelfth best ERA in the land, Minnesota can spin the ball with the best of them. Although Bundy has had his struggles in 2022, no one has ever denied how filthy his pitches can be. With an above-average fastball and a hook that makes hitters' knees fold like a lawn chair, there's a great chance Bundy has a great outing on Saturday. Against the D-Backs in his career, Bundy holds a 2-1 record but has also compiled an ERA of 5.27 in his last three starts versus Arizona.
Why The Diamondbacks Could Cover the Spread
Arizona was dominant in every way imaginable yesterday as their bats came to play and their arms were as electric as ever. After back-to-back games splayed in which the D-Backs scored seven runs in each contest both resulting in wins, they will look to continue their offensive prowess in front of the home faithful.
With the bats being in good hands as of late, it will be up to Luke Weaver who is still trying to find his groove after missing the first two months of the season thanks to elbow inflammation. After being activated last Sunday, Weaver came in a relief role against the Phillies and surrendered one run on three hits and struck out four in the win.
One stat that points to the Diamondbacks winning their third straight contest and second consecutive against the Twins? How about the fact that Minnesota has lost their last seven games when Bundy starts. He has allowed four runs or more in five of his last seven appearances.
Final Twins-Diamondbacks Prediction & Pick
There seems to be a pattern that whenever the Twins suit up for games, they will follow up a poor outing with an outstanding one and vice versa. This formula may finally be broken Saturday night, as the active losing streak when Bundy takes the mound may be too to bet on the Twins. Arizona should cover the spread and even possibly win their third straight to guarantee the series win over Minnesota.
Final Twins-Diamondbacks Pick: Diamondbacks +1.5 (-170)
