The Minnesota Twins will host the Boston Red Sox for the finale of this four-game set on Thursday afternoon. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Red Sox-Twins prediction and pick.
Boston has been in full control, sweeping yesterday's doubleheader and winning the first three games of this series. The Red Sox will look to build on their current nine-game winning streak. The Twins will look to snap their current five-game losing streak coming in.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Red Sox-Twins odds.
MLB Odds: Red Sox-Twins Odds
Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-143)
Minnesota Twins -1.5 (+123)
Over 9 Runs (+100)
Under 9 Runs (-120)
Why The Red Sox Could Cover The Spread
The Boston Red Sox are the hottest team and arguably the best team in baseball over the first few weeks of the season. The Red Sox have been on an absolute tear since getting swept in their opening series. They have now won nine-straight and currently reside in the top spot of the AL East. Boston has averaged over eight runs per game during the current winning streak. They are second in baseball in team batting average at .277 and have three starters batting over .340. J.D. Martinez, Xander Bogaerts, and Christian Vazquez are leading the way for a club that has hit 15 home runs over their first 10 games of the season.
Right-hander Garrett Richards will get the nod for the Red Sox in the series finale. Through his first two starts of the season, Richards is 0-1 with a 10.29 ERA. He definitely showed signs of improvement in his last outing, giving up two runs on three hits over five innings of work. Garrett has face the Twins seven times in his career. He is 2-1 with a 3.02 ERA and Minnesota hitters are batting just .176 against the right-hander lifetime.
Why The Twins Could Cover The Spread
The Minnesota Twins are reeling of late and injuries certainly haven't helped their cause. Slugging third baseman Josh Donaldson is close to returning, but is unlikely to suit up for the finale this afternoon. Designated hitter Nelson Cruz has been an absolute monster for this club, hitting .444 with four homers and 10 RBI. Andrelton Simmons has put together a nice first season with Minnesota, but will likely be out of action today because of COVID. Byron Buxton has arguably been the best player in baseball through the first couple of weeks. He is currently second in baseball in batting average and home runs and first in OPS for a team that is fourth in the league in runs per game.
Minnesota will turn to their big right-hander Michael Pineda with hopes of salvaging the series. This will be Pineda's third start of the young season. He is coming off of a nice outing against the Mariners in his last start, giving up two runs on four hits. Pineda is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA and 11 strikeouts on the season. He is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA in his last two starts against Boston and active Red Sox hitters are batting .262 against the right-hander.
Final Red Sox-Twins Prediction & Pick
We would be crazy not to back the Boston Red Sox in every game that they play right now. They are on a nine-game winning streak and look like a juggernaut to the rest of the league. Boston is absolutely mashing and the pitching has been better than serviceable. Minnesota has struggled of late and injuries have only weakened this club. The Red Sox will be eager to extend the current winning streak to double digits and we should be grateful that Vegas is giving us a run to work with here.
FINAL PICK: Boston Red Sox +1.5 (-143)