by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Aug 24, 2022
Game Time: 8:10 pm ET, Thursday, August 25, 2022
Venue: Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Where to Watch: MLB Network
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Moneyline odds: Twins +135, Astros -155; Over/Under: 8 runs
Bet365: Moneyline odds: Twins +135, Astros -155; Over/Under: 8 runs
BetMGM: Moneyline odds: Twins +135, Astros -155; Over/Under: 8 runs
Season Record
Minnesota Twins: 62-59 (2nd place, AL Central)
Houston Astros: 79-45 (1st place, AL West)
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Recent Form
Minnesota Twins: 4-6 last 10
Houston Astros: 6-4 last 10
Minnesota Twins vs Houston Astros Preview and Analysis
The Twins enter this game on a 4 game losing streak. They lost their last series against the Texas Rangers 3-1 in a 4-game series. They enter this game with a 62-59 record overall and have a road record of 27-31. This is the series finale of a 3-game series with the Astros on Thursday with the 2nd game still to be played on Wednesday. Their offense ranks 10th in the MLB with a .728 OPS. Dylan Bundy is their starting pitcher on Wednesday while Chris Archer is making his start in this game on Thursday. He is 2-6 with a 4.02 ERA this season. His team lost their last 7 straight games this season with him making an appearance. In his last start, he allowed 1 ER, 0 HRs, and 1 BB with 5 Ks on 3 hits through 5 IP against the Texas Rangers.
The Astros enter this game on a 2 game winning streak. They lost their last series against the Atlanta Braves 2-1 in a 3-game series. They enter this game with a 79-45 record overall and have a home record of 40-18. This is the 3rd game of a 3-game series with the Twins on Thursday with the 2nd game still to be played on Wednesday. Their offense ranks 6th in the MLB with a .744 OPS. Framber Valdez is their starting pitcher on Wednesday while Luis Garcia is making his start in this game on Wednesday. He is 10-8 with a 4.09 ERA this season. His team won their last 2 straight games this season with him making an appearance. In his last start, he allowed 3 ER, 1 HR, and 4 BB with 4 Ks on 7 hits through 5 IP against the Chicago White Sox.
Twins vs Astros Prediction
The current betting odds have the Astros listed as a favorite in this game. They have been playing well recently as they are starting to string some wins together again, and they should continue that streak being at home here. The Twins have not been great recently as they have been losing a lot of their games and are slipping in the standings right now. Their offense has not been great in their recent games and they do not have the pitching staff to keep up with the Astros here and the way they have been pitching lately. The Astros have not been allowing many runs at all and their offense is a lot better than the Twins. The best way to place a bet here is on the Astros to win this game at home and keep on their recent streak.
Twins Astros Prediction: Our MLB Pick for Thursday, August 25, 2022 (8:10 pm ET start time) is Astros 5 Twins 4.
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MLB Betting Trends
Minnesota Twins: 171-174 (-29.2 Units) ML in all games. 75-94 (-20.7 Units) ML in road games. 18-6 UNDER against AL West opponents.
Houston Astros: 79-45 (+10 Units) ML in all games. 40-18 (+6.3 Units) ML in home games. 44-25 UNDER when the total is 8 to 8.5.
Key Injuries
Minnesota Twins: K. Garlick (CF) Early Sept - Ribs. M. Sano (3B) Late Sept - Knee. T. Larnach (RF) Mid Sept - Abdominal.
Houston Astros: A. Diaz (SS) Mid Sept - Groin. M. Brantley (LF) out for season - Shoulder. J. Castro (C) out for season - Knee.
Notable Quotes
"I didn't want to get no-hit on the first game back, so I had to drop that one in there." - Carlos Correa after their loss against the Astros on Tuesday.
"I like to go deep in games in the regular season, but I'd rather do it in the postseason or at least be fresh and strong for that." - Justin Verlander after their win against the Twins on Tuesday.
Starting Lineups
Minnesota Twins
Luis Arraez (L) 1B
Carlos Correa (R) SS
Jorge Polanco (S) 2B
Jose Miranda (R) DH
Nick Gordon (L) CF
Max Kepler (L) RF
Gio Urshela (R) 3B
Jake Cave (L) LF
Gary Sanchez (R) C
Houston Astros
Jose Altuve (R) 2B
Yuli Gurriel (R) 1B
Yordan Alvarez (L) LF
Alex Bregman (R) 3B
Kyle Tucker (L) RF
Trey Mancini (R) DH
Jeremy Pena (R) SS
Mauricio Dubon (R) CF
Martin Maldonado (R) C
Statistical Leaders
Minnesota Twins
Batting Average: Luis Arraez (.324)
Hits: Luis Arraez (134)
Home Runs: Byron Buxton (28)
RBI: Jorge Polanco (55)
Stolen Bases: Nick Gordon (6)
Wins: Joe Ryan (9)
Saves: Emilio Pagan (9)
ERA: Jorge Alcala (0.00)
Houston Astros
Batting Average: Christian Vazquez (.344)
Hits: Alex Bregman (114)
Home Runs: Yordan Alvarez (31)
RBI: Kyle Tucker (82)
Stolen Bases: Kyle Tucker (19)
Wins: Justin Verlander (16)
Saves: Ryan Pressly (25)
ERA: Ryne Stanek (1.28)
Managers:
Minnesota Twins: Rocco Baldelli (4th season)
Houston Astros: Dusty Baker (3rd season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
