As we edge ever closer to the midseason break, it’s interesting to look at the current standings and think about how they might look when the regular season ends, and the playoffs begin. Which of the division leaders will still be there at that point, and which of the teams in the chasing pack will have a second half that propels them from the outside looking into a playoff team? The moves made at the trade deadline will go a long way toward helping us figure out how this will all play out, but if we are being honest, the only division leader that looks really safe right now is the LA Dodgers.
With a big lead in the Central, the Twins look good, but they are on a dodgy run of form right now that makes them look like a team ready for that break. They will begin their week with a very tricky trip to Oakland to face an Athletics team that is currently a good looking dark horse in the race for the postseason. The twins are in as a 1 ½ run road favorite, with the run total set at 9 ½.
Twins vs Athletics MLB Odds, Game Info & Prediction
- When: Tuesday, July 2 at 10:07 PM EST
- Where: Alameda Coliseum, Oakland
- Starting Pitchers: Odorizzi vs. Mengden
- TV: MLB Extra Innings
- Radio: 95.7 The Game
- Live Stream: MLB.tv
- MLB Odds: Oakland Athletics -110 (Total 9.5)
How to Bet Astros vs Rockies MLB Spread & Expert Pick
Why bet on the Minnesota Twins?
The Minnesota Twins are going to be heading into the All-Star Break holding the lead in the AL Central, but how big that lead is will depend on if they are able to break out of their current swoon, where they have gone 5-5 over the last 10 games. While they are still sitting with a season record of 53-30, they have seen the Cleveland Indians get hot and close the gap at the top to 8 games.
Given how the Twins have played this season, you definitely get the sense that their current .500 run is not one that will be extended for too much longer. They will head into Oakland boating a 27-16 SU road record, although they are just 11-11 ATS as a road favorite. Jake Odorizzi (10-3, 2.73 ERA) will look to tie a career-best 11 wins in a season record on Tuesday night.
Team Stats
Offense- Runs: 5.71
- Hits: 9.55
- Walks: 3.06
- Strike Outs: 7.98
- Runs: 4.35
- Hits: 8.45
- Walks: 2.78
- Strike Outs: 8.69
Why bet on the Oakland A’s?
The Oakland A’s are on the move in the American League, winning 5 of their last 6 games to move to 46-39 on the season. While that still has them sitting 7 games back of the Houston Astros in the AL West, they are right there in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, sitting just a half-game out of the second and final spot.
Oakland are now sitting at 24-19 SU in their own ballpark, but they have a much better record than that wen hosting Minnesota, going 9-2 in the last 11 home games versus the Twins. Oakland have covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 games and are sitting at 7-5 ATS when in as a home dog. They will have Daniel Mengden (2-1, 4.03 ERA) on the mound for this one.
Team Stats
Offense- Runs: 5.05
- Hits: 8.48
- Walks: 3.27
- Strike Outs: 7.81
- Runs: 4.39
- Hits: 8.24
- Walks: 3.27
- Strike Outs: 7.88
Phillies vs Braves MLB Lines, Preview & Prediction
Twins vs Athletics MLB Betting Trends
- Twins are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Oakland
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota’s last 5 games against an opponent in the American League West division
- Athletics are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland’s last 5 games played in July
- Athletics are 19-11 against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season
- Twins are 27-16 against the money line in road games this season
- Odorizzi is 1-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 0.954
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Twins vs Athletics
While Oakland have had the number of the Twins at home, Minnesota wins more often than not when they have Odorizzi on the mound. He could prove to be the difference-maker here, which is why I have the Twins winning this one.
Score: Minnesota Twins 4 – Oakland Athletics 2
