Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/17/2024 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 +112 (BetRivers) / Cleveland Guardians -125 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: -1.5 - Minnesota Twins -190 (Caesars) / Cleveland Guardians +160 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 8.5 - Under -110 (Caesars) / Over -110 (Caesars)

Game Info

Date: 9/17/2024
Time: 6:40 PM EST
Location: Progressive Field (Cleveland, Ohio)
TV: MLB.TV

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Preview

The Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians are set to clash in the second game of their four-game series at Progressive Field. The Guardians, who have been dominant at home with a 46-27 record, are looking to extend their lead in the AL Central and secure a playoff berth. They are just two wins away from clinching a spot, thanks to their impressive 40 come-from-behind victories this season. In the series opener, Cleveland showcased their resilience with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win, highlighted by rookie Kyle Manzardo's two-run homer in the eighth inning. Emmanuel Clase, a strong Cy Young contender, sealed the victory with his 46th save, tying a club record.

For the Twins, the stakes are high as they fight to keep their wild-card hopes alive. Despite a strong start in the first game, where they took a 3-0 lead, Minnesota's bullpen faltered, allowing Cleveland to rally. The Twins will be looking to bounce back and capitalize on the struggles of Guardians' starter Gavin Williams, who has a 5.23 ERA and has yet to win at home this season. On the mound for Minnesota is rookie Zebby Matthews, who will be making his seventh career start. Matthews has shown potential with a 9.6 K/9 rate, but his 7.11 ERA indicates inconsistency.

Offensively, the Twins will rely on key players like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton to provide the spark needed to overcome Cleveland's formidable bullpen. Meanwhile, the Guardians will hope for continued contributions from Josh Naylor and Manzardo, who have been pivotal in recent victories. With both teams having much at stake, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest as the Twins aim to even the series and the Guardians look to inch closer to postseason play.

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Pick: Cleveland Guardians Moneyline

In this pivotal matchup between the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Guardians, the smart money is on the Cleveland Guardians to secure another victory. The Guardians have been a force at home, boasting an impressive 46-27 record at Progressive Field, the best in the American League. Their resilience is unmatched, as evidenced by their MLB-leading 40 come-from-behind victories this season. This tenacity was on full display in the series opener, where they rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win 4-3, thanks to a clutch two-run homer by rookie Kyle Manzardo and a record-tying save by Emmanuel Clase.

Clase's performance has been nothing short of spectacular, with 46 saves this season, tying the club's single-season record. His ability to close out games has been a cornerstone of Cleveland's success, making him a strong contender for the Cy Young Award. The Guardians' bullpen, which threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings in the opener, has been a reliable asset, providing a safety net for their starters.

On the other hand, the Twins face an uphill battle. Despite a promising start in the first game, their bullpen faltered, allowing the Guardians to capitalize. Minnesota's rookie starter Zebby Matthews, with a 7.11 ERA, has shown inconsistency, which could be exploited by Cleveland's potent lineup. The Guardians' offense, led by Josh Naylor and Manzardo, has been firing on all cylinders, and they will look to continue their momentum against Matthews.

Given the Guardians' home dominance, their ability to rally in tight situations, and the struggles of the Twins' pitching staff, Cleveland is well-positioned to clinch another victory and inch closer to a playoff berth. Betting on the Guardians' moneyline is a sound choice for this matchup.

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians Top Player Prop Picks

Gavin Williams Over 1.5 Walks -145 (Caesars)

Gavin Williams has struggled with control issues this season, as evidenced by his 3.9 BB/9 rate over 65 1/3 innings pitched. This trend is particularly concerning given his performance at Progressive Field, where he has yet to secure a win and has posted a 7.07 ERA in 28 innings across six starts. The Twins, eager to bounce back after a narrow loss, will likely be patient at the plate, increasing the likelihood of Williams issuing multiple walks. Given these factors, betting on Williams to exceed 1.5 walks is a solid choice.

Zebby Matthews Over 4.5 Strikeouts +132 (FanDuel)

Despite his inconsistency, Zebby Matthews has demonstrated an ability to rack up strikeouts, boasting a 9.6 K/9 rate in his limited major league experience. The Guardians' lineup, while potent, has shown vulnerability to strikeouts, especially against pitchers with high strikeout rates. Matthews' potential to miss bats, combined with the Guardians' aggressive approach, makes the over on 4.5 strikeouts an enticing proposition, particularly with the favorable odds offered.

Josh Naylor Over 0.5 Singles +100 (BetMGM)

Josh Naylor has been a key contributor to the Guardians' offense, particularly in clutch situations. His recent performance, including a crucial double in the series opener, underscores his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. With Matthews' struggles on the mound, Naylor is well-positioned to capitalize and secure at least one single in this matchup. The even odds on this prop make it an attractive option for bettors looking to leverage Naylor's consistent hitting prowess.