Minnesota survived a 3-4 road trip still in first place in the AL Central but by a narrow margin as the Guardians (1GB) and the White Sox (2GB) are coming on strong. Back at home in the August 1st Tigers at Twins betting matchup for the first time of the second half, Minnesota will play 20 of their 28 games this month in the comfort of Target Field.
The Twins came out of the All-Star break with a two game sweep of this Detroit team, 8-4 and 9-1 at Comerica Park on July 23-24. Minnesota is just 8-5 in the head to head series this year, but are 5-1 vs. the Tigers in the Twin Cities. The Twins are -138 favorites in the series opener despite being undecided for a starting pitcher.
Tigers Back from Canada
Scheduling has been all over the place for the Tigers since the All-Star break, as they headed to the West Coast for two games with Oakland, returned for home series’ against the Twins and Padres before jet setting off to Canada where they just lost three of four to the Blue Jays.
Detroit is back in the Midwest trying to improve on a 1-5 record against the Twins this season. The Tigers aren’t sure who they’ll face on the mound Monday night, but Victor Reyes is the only Detroit batter hitting better than .300 over the past week so their offense will need to step up regardless. Miguel Cabrera is among those struggling, just 3 for his last 18 (.167).
The Tigers did not look sharp over the weekend in Toronto. Derek Law made MLB history on Saturday night when he gave up a home run, made an error, threw a wild pitch, and hit a batter all in one inning – the first time that has happened. Tarik Skubal (7-8, 3.67 ERA) hasn’t allowed a run in two straight starts so he hopes to continue that trend in the August 1st Tigers at Twins betting contest.
Twins Ready for a Run at Home
Minnesota will play a majority of their games at home in August and they are 27-22 at Target Field this year. The Twins have been on the road for the entire second half so far, but they’re just 2-5 in the last 7 at home and have also lost four of their last five overall against a LH starter.
Nick Gordon has had a solid start to the second half going 4-9 with 3 doubles in his last 4 games while Jose Miranda is 8 for his last 19 with 2 HRs. Byron Buxton has also hit 3 HRs in his last 5 games which is picking up some of the slack of Carlos Correa and Gary Sanchez combining to go 3 for their last 30.
The Twins haven’t named a starter for Monday’s game. Chris Archer would be up in the rotation but he gave up 6ER over just 3.0 IP in his last start.
Free August 1st Tigers at Twins Betting Pick
59% of the betting public is backing Minnesota in this spot despite the fact that they haven’t named a starting pitcher. Skubal has had two straight starts not allowing a run, and the fact that Minnesota is making the cross-country trip after a series in San Diego over the weekend gives Detroit the edge here.
Free Pick: Tigers +112
