Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 4/1/2023

Time: 4:10 p.m. ET

Venue: Kaufmann Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Where to watch: BSNO, BSKC

DraftKings: Check back later for odds

BetMGM: Check back later for odds

Caesars: Check back later for odds

Twins: 1-0

Royals: 0-1

The Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals are set to face off on April 1st, 2023 in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two American League Central rivals. Both teams will be looking to start the season off on the right foot and set the tone for the rest of the year.

The Twins opened the new year with a 2-0 win over the Royals, and it was a successful debut for the newly-acquired Pablo Lopez. The former Marlins pitcher threw 5.1 strong innings, allowing just two hits and striking out eight while he outdueled Zack Greinke. Minnesota did struggle to get 10 hits and just two runs, but Lopez was incredible and the bullpen did its part.

“I am very aware of what the Twins gave up in order to bring me and the other two guys in,” López said. “But I don't think it's pressure. Rather, it's encouragement. It's not pressure. It's just about, ‘OK, the team is putting this much trust in me. I'm going to make the most out of it.’ That was the way I tried to look at it.”

The Royals, meanwhile, had just two hits. The Minnesota bullpen shut them out on the day Salvador Perez was named the fourth captain in Royals history. Kansas City left just six on base and committed an error.

“It’s an honor to be the captain of the Kansas City Royals,” Perez said. “I know we lost, but it’s a special day. George Brett, Frank White, Mike Sweeney, the way they played the game, the way they taught us to play the game, have passion for the game, it’s something I want to follow.”

Both teams have some talented players who could make a big impact in this game, so let's take a closer look at what fans can expect.

One player to watch for the Twins is outfielder Byron Buxton. Buxton has long been touted as one of the most talented players in baseball, but injuries have limited his playing time in recent years. If Buxton can stay healthy in the upcoming season and have a big game in this matchup, he could be a key factor in the Twins' success.

Another player to watch for the Royals is starting pitcher Brady Singer. Singer had a solid rookie season in 2020 and followed it up with a strong 2021 season, finishing with a 3.79 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 159.2 innings pitched. He will be looking to continue his success in the upcoming season and help lead the Royals to victory in this game.

When it comes to pitching, both teams have some talented arms that could make a big impact in this game. The Twins have a solid bullpen led by closer Taylor Rogers, who had a strong 2022 season. The Royals, meanwhile, have a strong starting rotation led by Singer and Mike Minor, who also had a solid 2022 season.

Overall, this game promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with something to prove. Both teams have some key players who could make a big impact on the outcome of the game, and it will be interesting to see how the two teams match up against each other.

As always, there are sure to be surprises and unexpected twists and turns in the game, and it will be up to both teams to stay focused and make the most of their opportunities on the field. Whether you're a Twins fan or a Royals fan, this is a game you won't want to miss.

Prediction

Now that the ace has gotten it done, let's see if the Royals can bounce back at home and give the fans reason to not want to sell their tickets. Royals 5, Twins 3

Check back later for trends.

Twins:
Max Kepler (L) RF
Carlos Correa (R) SS
Byron Buxton (R) DH
Trevor Larnach (L) LF
Jose Miranda (R) 3B
Nick Gordon (L) 2B
Joey Gallo (L) 1B
Christian Vazquez (R) C
Michael A. Taylor (R) CF

Royals:
Bobby Witt Jr. (R) SS
MJ Melendez (L) RF
Salvador Perez (R) C
Vinnie Pasquantino (L) 1B
Franmil Reyes (R) DH
Michael Massey (L) 2B
Hunter Dozier (R) 3B
Kyle Isbel (L) CF
Edward Olivares (R) LF