Published Apr 8, 9:45pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 8, 9:45pm ET
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| Minnesota Twins | +115 |
| Detroit Tigers | -127 |
Detroit has made the playoffs in the past two seasons and started out hoping to take the next step to World Series title contention. But they have gotten to a poor start at the plate and on the mound.
Jack Flaherty tries to turn things around in the final game of the series with the Twins. In his first 2 starts, he's gotten knocked around and had trouble with his control. In 8.1 innings overall, he's allowed 7 hits, 7 earned runs, walked 8, and struck out 6.
Among the Tigers' regulars, only Colt Keith and Kevin McGonigle have been hitting. Both are batting over .300 with an OPS above .850. Dillon Dingler, Spencer Torkelson, Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene, and Kerry Carpenter are not hitting.
Detroit has never faced Minnesota starter Mick Abel.
Mick Abel was a Phillies' 1st round draft pick in 2020, taken 15th overall. Minnesota acquired him in the Jhoan Duran trade. In MLB, he has an ERA of 6.99 and is trying to find his way.
In two appearances for the Twins this season, one in relief and one as a starter, Abel has pitched poorly. He has allowed a total of 9 earned runs and 14 hits in 7.1 innings, walking 3 and striking out 3.
Abel was a top 100 prospect before 2024, so the talent is there. He had a very strong season in the minors for the Phillies and Twins last season.
Offensively, the Twins have been terrible. Royce Lewis, Ryan Jeffers, Kody Clemens, Brooks Lee, and Byron Buxton are all under .200.
Veteran Josh Bell has been solid with an OPS approaching 1.000.
Against Flaherty, Luke Keaschall is 2 for 3 with 2 doubles. Bell is 7 for 31 with 3 doubles and a home run. Buxton is 1 for 5 with a double. Victor Caratini is 1 for 13 with a triple.
The Tigers and Twins started the season with different objectives. Detroit is hoping for a championship. Minnesota is retooling with a new baseball ops department and cleaned out most of its higher-paid players.
Early in the season, the Tigers have looked awful. Minnesota has played better than expected.
While Abel has struggled, the Tigers are not hitting. Flaherty hasn't been very good either. In this matchup, the Twins will come out on top.
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Minnesota Twins +115
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