Two struggling American League squads are set to meet in Minneapolis. The Athletics have gotten shelled on the mound this season, but there’s plenty of talent in their lineup. In comparison, the Twins decimated their lineup during July’s trade deadline. However, Minnesota did manage to keep several talented pitchers. Which of these two sides will come out on top tonight? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Wednesday’s showdown between the Athletics and the Twins.
The Twins are favorites (-123) over the Athletics, with the over/under set at nine runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Athletics vs. Twins prediction, preview
For the visitors, it’ll be J.T. Ginn toeing the slab. On paper, the right-hander’s statistics aren’t too impressive. Over 55.1 innings of work, he’s posted a 5.04 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 61 strikeouts. However, few starters in baseball have more dramatic home/away splits. Ginn is far better on the road (3.29 ERA) than he is in Sacramento (6.75 ERA). Over his last three away games, the 26-year-old has allowed just four earned runs (2.25 ERA).
It’s not as if Ginn will face Murderer’s Row tonight. As previously mentioned, the Twins sold off most of their best hitters last month. Among those that remain, the only name that stands out is Byron Buxton (140 wRC+). Otherwise, just four other regulars in Minnesota’s lineup have a wRC+ of 100 or greater. Since August 1st, the Twins have scored the seventh-fewest runs in all of baseball (69). During that time, only Brooks Lee (.772), Luke Keaschall (.718) and Buxton (.702) have an OPS above .700.
The home team will hand the ball to Bailey Ober tonight. It’s been a rocky season for the fifth-year pro, typically a consistent innings eater. Over 20 starts, the right-hander has recorded a 5.15 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 86 strikeouts. An encouraging sign for the veteran? He’s allowed just four combined runs over his previous two starts. Still, Wednesday’s matchup won’t be easy. The Athletics enter this contest averaging the league’s 12th-most runs per game (4.50). In addition, the team owns baseball’s sixth-highest OPS against right-handed hurlers (.755). Over their last 15 contests, the A’s have scored an impressive 5.67 runs per game.
Athletics vs. Twins pick, best bet
Best Bet: Athletics ML (+101)
Both pitchers taking the hill tonight are more talented than their statistics show. Ober has a more extensive track record, but Ginn’s success on the road can’t be ignored. Only one of these two clubs wields an above-average offense. Keeping that in mind, back the Athletics on Wednesday as even money dogs.
