Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/16/2024 6:40 PM EST

We have your Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Minnesota Twins hit the road to face the Cleveland Guardians.

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Minnesota Twins -109 (BetRivers) / Cleveland Guardians -100 (FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: 1.5 - Minnesota Twins +150 (DraftKings) / Cleveland Guardians -176 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 8.0 - Under -120 (bet365) / 7.5 - Over -117 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 9/16/2024
Time: 6:40 PM EST
Location: Progressive Field (Cleveland, Ohio)
TV: ESPN+

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Preview

The Minnesota Twins are set to face off against the Cleveland Guardians in a crucial AL Central matchup at Progressive Field. The Twins, currently holding a 79-70 record, are in the thick of the playoff race, with a recent boost from the return of star shortstop Carlos Correa. Correa, who has been sidelined with plantar fasciitis since the All-Star break, is back in the lineup, adding depth and power to the Twins' offense. His return is timely, as the Twins are looking to solidify their position in the playoff standings with only a handful of games remaining in the regular season.

On the mound for the Twins will be Pablo Lopez, who has been in excellent form recently. Lopez boasts a 15-8 record with a 3.88 ERA and has been particularly dominant over his last seven starts, posting a 1.79 ERA. His ability to control the game will be crucial against a Guardians team that has been strong at home, winning five of their last seven games. The Guardians, with an 86-64 record, have been a formidable opponent, especially with their pitching staff, which ranks fifth in the majors with a 3.71 ERA.

Matthew Boyd will take the mound for the Guardians, bringing a solid performance record since joining the team. The Guardians' recent success has been built on their pitching prowess, as evidenced by their recent series against the Tampa Bay Rays, where they allowed an average of just 2.3 runs per game. However, the Twins' offense, which ranks 10th in MLB with 177 home runs, will look to challenge Boyd and the Guardians' pitching staff.

As both teams vie for playoff positioning, this matchup promises to be a tightly contested battle. The Twins have shown a propensity for high-scoring games recently, cashing the Over in their last five outings, while the Guardians have been involved in lower-scoring affairs, with the Under hitting in 12 of their last 15 games. This clash of styles will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this pivotal series opener.

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Pick: Total Runs Over

In this pivotal AL Central matchup between the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Guardians, the case for the total runs going over is compelling. The Twins have been on a scoring spree, consistently cashing the Over in their last five games. This offensive surge is bolstered by the return of Carlos Correa, who adds significant depth and power to their lineup. Correa's presence is expected to further energize a Twins offense that ranks 10th in MLB with 177 home runs, averaging 1.2 per game. This offensive firepower will be crucial as they face a formidable Guardians pitching staff.

While the Guardians have been involved in lower-scoring games recently, with the Under hitting in 12 of their last 15 outings, the dynamics of this matchup suggest a potential shift. The Twins' recent form indicates a propensity for high-scoring affairs, and with Pablo Lopez on the mound, who has been dominant with a 1.79 ERA over his last seven starts, the Twins are likely to provide strong run support. Additionally, the Guardians' Matthew Boyd, despite his solid performances, will face a challenging task against a Twins lineup that has been firing on all cylinders.

Given the Twins' recent offensive trends and the potential for both teams to capitalize on any pitching lapses, the conditions are ripe for a high-scoring game. The combination of the Twins' explosive offense and the Guardians' ability to hold their own at home sets the stage for a contest where the total runs are likely to exceed expectations. Therefore, betting on the Over in this matchup appears to be a sound strategy.

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Top Player Prop Picks

Pablo Lopez Over 5.5 Strikeouts -125 (BetMGM)

Pablo Lopez has been in exceptional form recently, boasting a 1.79 ERA over his last seven starts. His ability to dominate on the mound is further highlighted by his impressive strikeout rate, averaging 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings this season. Facing a Cleveland Guardians lineup that has been involved in lower-scoring games, Lopez's command and precision make the over on 5.5 strikeouts a compelling pick. Given his recent performances and the Guardians' tendency to struggle offensively, Lopez is well-positioned to surpass this strikeout line.

Carlos Correa Over 0.5 Singles -105 (DraftKings)

Carlos Correa's return to the Minnesota Twins lineup is a significant boost for the team's offense. Despite dealing with plantar fasciitis, Correa has been a consistent performer, hitting .308 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs in 75 games this season. His ability to get on base and contribute offensively is crucial for the Twins as they push for a playoff spot. With the Guardians' Matthew Boyd on the mound, Correa's knack for finding gaps in the defense makes the over on 0.5 singles an attractive proposition, especially given his track record and the urgency of the Twins' playoff push.

Matthew Boyd Under 17.5 Pitching Outs -125 (bet365)

Matthew Boyd has been a solid addition to the Cleveland Guardians' rotation, but he faces a formidable challenge against a Twins lineup that ranks 10th in MLB with 177 home runs. The Twins have been on a scoring spree, consistently cashing the over in their last five games, indicating their offensive prowess. Given the Twins' recent form and their ability to put pressure on opposing pitchers, Boyd may struggle to go deep into the game. The under on 17.5 pitching outs reflects the likelihood that the Twins' potent offense will force the Guardians to turn to their bullpen earlier than usual.