Giants vs. Twins Prediction and Odds for Friday, August 26 (Twins Rebound Behind Ryan)
By Joe Summers
Oh, how much a month changes. It was just several weeks ago that the Minnesota Twins had a clear track to the AL Central crown. Suddenly, the Twins' six-game losing streak coupled with the Cleveland Guardians' surge finds Minnesota four games out of a playoff spot.
Joe Ryan hopes to turn the Twins' fortunes around in today's series opener against the San Francisco Giants. Ryan has a 2.95 ERA at home, holding his opponent to three runs or fewer in every single start at Target Field this year.
San Francisco hopes to keep its own playoff hopes alive. Alex Wood gets the start coming off a debacle against the Colorado Rockies in which he allowed seven runs in only 4.2 innings of work. He's got a 6.45 ERA this month, struggling mightily to limit damage.
Can Ryan give Minnesota a much-needed home win or will Wood take advantage of a slumping lineup?
Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to find the value in this Giants vs Twins matchup:
Giants vs Twins Odds, Run Line and Total
Giants vs Twins Prediction and Pick
The Minnesota Twins are 5-1 in Joe Ryan's last six home starts, and I think they're a much better club than they've shown of late. Simply put, the Twins cannot afford to lose any more winnable games and Ryan needs to ensure his club has the upper hand here.
Joe Ryan showing off the cat-like reflexes! pic.twitter.com/V6ZdqQR50U
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 21, 2022
Luckily for Ryan and Minnesota, the Giants are terrible in this spot. They're just 1-6 in their last seven games as road underdogs and 3-6 in Alex Wood's last nine road starts.
Wood looked terrible in his last two outings, surrendering 10 runs over 10.2 innings, and ranks in only the 44th percentile in expected batting average. Ryan is in the 72nd percentile, and Minnesota's further advantages defensively and in the bullpen should help lead the Twins to victory.
At -120, we're getting great odds on Minnesota to snap its losing streak behind Ryan at home. The Giants are not a particularly formidable opponent, so I think the Twins get the job done today.
Pick: Twins (-120)