by Rod Pearson
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Game Time: 9:38 pm ET, Friday, May 19, 2023
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, CA
Where to Watch: BSW
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Moneyline odds: Twins -130, Angels +110; Over/Under: 8 runs
Bet365: Moneyline odds: Twins -130, Angels +110; Over/Under: 8 runs
BetMGM: Moneyline odds: Twins -130, Angels +110; Over/Under: 8 runs
Season Record
Minnesota Twins: 24-20 (1st place, AL Central)
Los Angeles Angels: 22-22 (3rd place, AL West)
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Recent Form
Minnesota Twins: 5-5 last 10
Los Angeles Angels: 3-7 last 10
Minnesota Twins vs Los Angeles Angels Preview and Analysis
The Twins are entering this game off of a loss in their last game. They enter this game with a 24-20 record overall and have a road record of 10-12. This is the series opener of a 3-game series with the Angels on Friday and they have Thursday off as a day of rest. Their offense ranks 16th in the MLB with a .717 OPS. Sonny Gray was their starting pitcher on Wednesday while Joe Ryan is making his start in this game on Friday. He is 6-1 with a 2.16 ERA this season. His team lost 2 of their last 3 games this season with him making an appearance. In his last MLB regular season start, he allowed 0 ER, 0 HR, and 1 BB with 10 Ks on 4 hits through 6 IP against the Chicago Cubs.
The Angels are entering this game on a 2 game losing streak. They enter this game with a 22-22 record overall and have a home record of 10-9. This is the 1st game of a 3-game series with the Twins on Friday and they still have the series finale of their series against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. Their offense ranks 10th in the MLB with a .750 OPS. Tyler Anderson is their starting pitcher on Thursday while Reid Detmers is making his start in this game on Friday. He is 0-3 with a 4.89 ERA this season. His team lost their last 3 straight games this season with him making an appearance. In his last start, he allowed 2 earned runs, 0 homers, and 2 BB with 3 strikeouts on 6 hits through 5 innings played against the Cleveland Guardians.
Twins vs Angels Prediction
The current betting odds have the Twins listed as a slight favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Twins haven't been a great road team this season but they have the best record in their division and they are going to have their ace on the mound in this game. Joe Ryan was great last season but he has been even better in his starts this year and he is going to cause this Angels lineup to struggle here. The Twins are also going to be rested for this game with a day off before this series starts and they have been on the West Coast already from their series against the LA Dodgers during the week. The Angels are in a much tougher spot though as they had an early game on Thursday in Baltimore and then had to travel back from the East for this series at home. Detmers has not been great on the mound either and this is also a team that has struggled to score runs in their games over the last week. The Twins have a better starter in this game and their bullpen has also been pitching well unlike the Angels. The Twins will be able to take advantage of the Angels offense being cold right now as they have a great pitching matchup here and could take the 1st game of this series. The best way to place a bet here is on the Twins to win this game.
Twins Angels Prediction: Our MLB Pick for Friday, May 19, 2023 (9:38 pm ET start time) is Twins 4 Angels 2.
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MLB Betting Trends
Minnesota Twins: 43-32 (+14.6 units) on the moneyline after a loss by 4 runs or more. 13-7 (+6.8 units) on the moneyline after 3 consecutive games versus an interleague opponent. 19-13 OVER after a game where the bullpen was rocked for 5 or more earned runs. 6-3 OVER on the road when the money line is +125 to -125.
Los Angeles Angels: 67-113 (-19.8 units) on the moneyline as an underdog of +100 or higher. 89-92 (-20.7 units) on the moneyline in home games. REID DETMERS is 12-3 OVER when the money line is +125 to -125. 15-7 OVER in night games.
Key Injuries
Minnesota Twins: J. Polanco (SS) Ques Fri - Hamstring. N. Gordon (2B) Out indefinitely - Shin. J. Gallo (LF) Ques Fri - Leg. J. Alcala (RP) Out indefinitely - Forearm. M. Kepler (CF) Late May - Hamstring. T. Mahle (SP) out for season - Elbow. C. Thielbar (RP) Out indefinitely - Oblique. K. Maeda (SP) Out indefinitely - Tricep. G. Celestino (CF) Late May - Thumb. R. Lewis (SS) Early July - Knee. C. Paddack (SP) Early Sept - Elbow.
Los Angeles Angels: T. Davidson (RP) Ques Thurs - Leg. A. Rendon (3B) Out indefinitely - Groin. J. Suarez (RP) Mid June - Shoulder. J. Quijada (RP) out for season - Elbow. J. Walsh (1B) Late May - Head. A. Loup (RP) Late May - Hamstring. A. Warren (RP) out for season - Elbow. L. O'Hoppe (C) Late Aug - Shoulder. C. Rodriguez (RP) Out indefinitely - Shoulder. M. Stassi (C) Out indefinitely - Hip.
Notable Quotes
“There’s almost nothing that can take them out of the game, and sometimes we have to step in and take them out. I wish Nick didn’t have to take that last swing, knowing now that his leg was fractured. Doesn’t look like it’s displaced, or he further hurt himself talking that extra swing, but I’ll bet it was painful as hell.” - Rocco Baldelli after his team’s loss against the Dodgers in their game on Wednesday.
“He got into that one pretty good. Ball wasn't really carrying tonight, either.” - Phil Nevin after his team’s loss against the Orioles in their game on Wednesday.
Starting Lineups
Minnesota Twins
Joey Gallo (L) RF
Alex Kirilloff (L) 1B
Carlos Correa (R) SS
Byron Buxton (R) DH
Jorge Polanco (S) 2B
Trevor Larnach (L) LF
Nick Gordon (L) CF
Willi Castro (S) 3B
Christian Vazquez (R) C
Los Angeles Angels
Mickey Moniak (L) LF
Mike Trout (R) CF
Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
Hunter Renfroe (R) RF
Brandon Drury (R) 1B
Chad Wallach (R) C
Luis Rengifo (S) 3B
Zach Neto (R) SS
Livan Soto (L) 2B
Statistical Leaders
Minnesota Twins
Batting Average: Alex Kirilloff (.333)
Hits: Byron Buxton (35)
Home Runs: Joey Gallo (10)
RBI: Trevor Larnach (26)
Stolen Bases: Michael A. Taylor (6)
Wins: Joe Ryan (6)
Saves: Jhoan Duran (7)
ERA: Brock Stewart (0.00)
Los Angeles Angels
Batting Average: Mickey Moniak (.417)
Hits: Shohei Ohtani (47)
Home Runs: Hunter Renfroe (10)
RBI: Shohei Ohtani (29)
Stolen Bases: Shohei Ohtani (6)
Wins: Shohei Ohtani (5)
Saves: Carlos Estevez (9)
ERA: Matt Moore (1.29)
Managers:
Minnesota Twins: Rocco Baldelli (5th season)
Los Angeles Angels: Phil Nevin (2nd 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.
