Minnesota will try to build on their 2 game lead over Chicago in the AL Central heading into August 8th Twins at Royals betting. This is seemingly the stretch to do just that playing last placed teams Pittsburgh and Kansas City but Rocco Baldelli’s team finds themselves on a 2-game losing streak.
The defeats for the Twins including falling 3-2 in the series opener on Friday and dropping the finale to Pittsburgh 8-5. Kansas City meanwhile is looking good after beating the Cubs and Minnesota on back-to-back days – two teams with a combined 20-7 record on the season.
Oddsmakers have Minnesota at -155 for Saturday’s game. Kansas City is a +135 underdog with the total at 9.5. Twins starter Jake Odorizzi is making his 2020 debut while KC’s Danny Duffy looks to build on a strong outing vs. the Cubs last time out.
Odorizzi on a Pitch Count Saturday
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has said Odorizzi will be limited to around 70 pitches as he returns from a right intercostal strain. The right-hander had a breakout 2019 campaign, going 15-7 with a career high 178 strikeouts.
Odorizzi made two starts vs. Kansas City last season, In back-to-back outings on June 15th and 20th, Odorizzi allowed 4ER in each game. The Royals scattered 15 hits in 10 innings vs. the Minnesota right-hander. The Minnesota bullpen has recorded the loss in each of the last two, and KC will get them early in August 8th Twins at Royals betting with Odorizzi on a pitch count.
What’s really surprising is how the Minnesota offense was held in check on Friday night with just 2 runs on 5 hits. Nelson Cruz was not in the starting lineup in that game but will be on Saturday with a 7-21 and 3HR career vs. Duffy. Miguel Sano is hitting just .183 vs. Duffy, but does have 2 HR in 27 AB vs. the lefty.
Royals Putting Something Together?
Kansas City can score as their 4.07 runs/game is 11th in MLB. The Royals rocked Tyler Chatwood on Thursday en route to a 13-2 win over the Cubs. Whit Merrifield, Jorge Soler, and Maikel Franco all went deep in that contest as part of 18 Kansas City hits.
Kansas City looks like they’ll have another solid offensive outing on Saturday as they were very successful batting against Odorizzi last season. There looks to be great value at +135 and on the ‘over’ 9.5.
The big question is whether Minnesota’s offense can get anything going against Duffy to help contribute to an ‘over’ win? The lefty bounced back from a poor outing vs. Detroit to throw 6.0 IP of 1-run ball vs. the Cubs on Monday. Duffy made two starts vs. the Twins last year, going 8.0 IP in June but getting rocked for 8 ER including 4HR in August. Duffy headed to the injured list for a month after that outing (hamstring strain).
August 8th Twins at Royals Betting Preview
Believe it or not the Twins look to be in a rut right now. Things don’t get any easier on Saturday night in what should be a lengthy bullpen appearance for Minnesota. Duffy looked sharp last outing as well.
Pick: Royals +135
