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On what is the last day of April, the Minnesota Twins battle it out with the Tampa Bay Rays in the second contest in a three-game series at Tropicana Field. Check out our MLB odds series, where our Twins-Rays prediction and pick will be revealed.
After Friday's 6-1 defeat, former Rays pitcher Chris Archer will be making his return to Tampa Bay, but this time as a Minnesota Twin. Making his fourth start of the season, Archer has yet to post a win or loss with a 0-0 record while compiling a 3.18 ERA. The Twins are now 11-9 through the season's first 20 games, still good for first place in the AL Central.
As for the Rays, Tampa Bay punished the Twins with four runs in the first inning of yesterday evening's contest, as they never looked back after getting off to a big lead. Trying to win their second straight in the series, Tampa Bay will send out lefty Shane McClanahan, who is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Twins-Rays odds:
MLB odds: Twins-Rays Odds
Minnesota Twins: +1.5 (-132)
Tampa Bay Rays: -1.5 (+110)
Over: 7.5 (+100)
Under: 7.5 (-12)
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Why the Twins Could Cover the Spread
It seemed like it just wasn't the Twins' night on Friday, as almost as soon as the first pitch was thrown, Minnesota saw themselves down big in the early stages. After allowing eight hits to the Rays' offensive attack and only mustering up a singular run on three hits, it will be vital for the Twins to even up the series with more productive play from their arms and bats.
Yesterday's lopsided loss snapped the Twins' seven-game winning streak, which when active was the longest skid in the entire majors. During that stretch, Minnesota managed to produce 35 runs, as their hitting proved to be lethal to each foe they have squared up with.
At the plate, the biggest weakness that Minnesota possesses has been their lack of stability at times at the plate. With 76 runs crossing the dish thus far, the Twins are also averagely ranked 22nd in batting average at .219 and are 19th in slugging percentage with a .358 mark. While these numbers are surely to improve with the amount of talent on the roster, there is no question that the Twins need more production from some of their big time names.
One of the most beautiful things about sports can be how things always seem to come around full circle. This happens to be the exact case in this Saturday afternoon matchup, as the former two-time All-Star with the Rays in Chris Archer will be making a homecoming trip back to his old stomping grounds within the confines of Tropicana Field. During his seven-year career there, Archer led the league twice in innings pitched, including undergoing his best year statistically in 2013 when he dialed up a career-high 3.22 ERA. After a few years with Pittsburgh and a reunion with the Rays in 2021, Archer is right back where he made himself a household name.
Why the Rays Could Cover the Spread
While all the talk heading into yesterday's matchup between these two clubs was all about Minnesota's lengthy winning skid, Tampa Bay quickly reminded viewers at home and inside the ballpark that they have been competing just as well. With the 6-1 victory, the Rays have now reeled off a trio of wins for themselves. In their previous nine games, Tampa Bay has come out victorious in seven of them. In order for the Rays to take care of business again and cover the spread in doing so, it will be crucial for them to get off to another hot start.
After three pitchers combined to toss a three-hitter in Friday's win, LHP Shane McCallahan will look to follow in their footsteps and silence the Twins' bats in helping his squad come out with a series win. The 25-year-old has definitely done his part in providing for his team in 2022, as he has racked up 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings. With the Twins containing a few left-handed batters, expect McCallahan to be a big factor in the outcome of this afternoon showdown.
Offensively, Tampa Bay has threats in almost every spot in the batting order. Yesterday, it happened to come in the unlikely form of center fielder Josh Lowe, who compiled three RBI's on the night after swatting a three-run home run in the bottom half of the first inning. Whether it's a superstar that gets the job done or a player that is trying to prove that they belong on a big league roster, a clutch moment must occur to have a similar repeat from yesterday.
Final Twins-Rays Prediction & Pick
This one is coming down to the pitching matchup between Archer and McCallahan. While Archer's best days are certainly behind him, it is difficult to ignore the stellar play of McCallahan and what he brings to the table from the left side of the mound. The Rays twirler should keep the Twins in check, and the Rays make it two-for-two in just as many nights in covering the spread.
Final Twins-Rays Pick: Rays -1.5 (+110)
