Mike Trout is expected back in the lineup for the Los Angeles Angels, if you are betting online, when they face the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.
Trout, who homered in his last two games, was rested in the series opener as the Angels rallied for a 5-4 victory –- their second straight one-run triumph after a rough 3-8 stretch that brought them back to .500.
Minnesota leads the American League Central, but is just 7-9 in May since starting the season 17-12. The Twins are 1-3 on their six-game trip.
Twins Bullpen Struggling
Minnesota was still third in the major leagues in earned-run average (3.44) on Saturday morning, but coughed up three leads on their current trip and the over is 6-1 in their last seven according to mlb lines.
Byron Buxton is 8-for-22 during a five-game hitting streak after going hitless in seven straight for the Twins, who are improving offensively but still sit 26th in the majors in batting average (.230).
Moniak Sparks Angels
Former first-overall draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies Mickey Moniak has made quite an impression since being recalled by Los Angeles, going 9-for-19 with a pair of homers.
Moniak adds to an offense that is already sixth in the majors in runs scored and batting average (.262), aiding the over if you’re online gambling. Gio Urshela (.297) has been the most consistent, with hits in 12 of his last 14 games.
Starting Pitchers
Louie Varland (1-0, 4.30 ERA) vs. Patrick Sandoval (3-2, 3.22 ERA)
Varland has gone at least six innings in three of his four starts and earned his first victory Sunday against the Chicago Cubs when he allowed three runs over 6 frames. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 5.91 ERA on the road as opposed to 2.92 in 2023 so far. Varland lost to the Angels last season, giving up three runs on seven hits across 5 ⅔ innings.
Sandoval lost his last start at Cleveland, allowing three runs (two earned) across 7 ⅔ innings. The 26-year-old lefty lasted at least six innings in half of his eight starts and is 1-0 with a 3.26 ERA in three home outings. Sandoval is 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA in two career starts versus Minnesota.
Twins vs Angels Head-to Head
The Angels have won five of the last six meetings and seven of nine against Minnesota after last night’s victory and the over has won three straight in the sportsbook after going 0-7-1 in the previous eight.
Taylor Ward launched two solo homers against Varland in the victory last year as Los Angeles won four of the six meetings.
Christian Vasquez and Gallo each have a homer versus Sandoval.
Twins vs Angels Game Information
- Game: Twins (24-21) vs Angels (24-22)
- Location Angel Stadium, Anaheim, Calif
- Day/Time: Saturday, May 20, 10:07 p.m. ET
- Twins vs Angels Live Stream: MLB.tv
Twins vs Angels Betting Lines
Over/Under Pick
The Twins have still produced plenty of runs despite their low batting average, putting up 47 in their last six contests. Minnesota’s Jorge Polanco (hamstring) is likely out for a few days, but Trout should be back and the Angels could activate infielder Jared Walsh (head). The big question is, will solid pitching keep the offense down? We think, not enough to go under the MLB odds.
Pick: Over 8 ½ (-120)
Moneyline Pick
The Angels may be getting on a roll again offensively with Trout, Moniak’s emergence, Hunter Renfroe, Urshela and Shohei Ohtani (31 RBIs) leading the way. While Varland has shown some talent, he has not been strong on the road this season and Sandoval was solid last time out despite the loss.
Pick: Angels (-120)
Spread Pick
Minnesota has lost nine games by a run this season – almost half of their defeats – so the Twins can keep it close if you’re betting mlb spreads. But the momentum is definitely with the Angels in this one. Los Angeles is 11-9 at home and Minnesota is 4-5 against left-handed starters while the Angels are 19-14 versus righties.
Pick: Angels -1½ (+160)
