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Rangers vs. Twins Prediction and Odds for Monday, August 22 (Sonny Gray Delivers Critical Win)

By Joe Summers

Sonny Gray has a 1.72 ERA this month ahead of today's series finale with the Rangers
Sonny Gray has a 1.72 ERA this month ahead of today's series finale with the Rangers / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
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The Minnesota Twins missed out on a critical opportunity to make up ground in the AL Central with two straight losses to the Texas Rangers, but they're optimistic to pick up a victory today with Sonny Gray on the mound.

Gray has a 1.72 ERA this month and allowed three or fewer runs in five straight starts. Minnesota is 5-3 in his last eight home outings.

Texas turns to Cole Ragans for this fourth start of the year. The rookie left-handed hurler has a 5.02 ERA through the first three and surrendered four home runs in his last two.

Can the Twins salvage an important win or will Ragans pick up his first career win?

Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to find out:

Rangers vs. Twins Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

  • Rangers +1.5 (-125)
  • Twins -1.5 (+105)

Moneyline:

  • Rangers: +185
  • Twins: -205

Total:

  • 8.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Rangers vs. Twins Prediction and Pick

The Twins have no business losing today's game, and they'll need to do some soul searching if they can't pull off this victory.

Simply put, Texas' Cole Ragans is not a strong starter. He's had an expected FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) above 4.88 in all three of his starts, a mark that would rank among MLB's worst pitchers if he had enough innings to qualify. Ragans has more walks than strikeouts, and Texas' bullpen isn't strong enough to pick up the slack.

Sonny Gray, on the other hand, is indeed a strong starter. He's got a 3.60 expected FIP on the season and allowed more than three runs just twice in 18 outings.

Before dropping their last two to these Rangers, the Twins had won five straight as home favorites. Their lineup lacks punch of late, but Ragans is the perfect opponent to bounce back against.

Minnesota desperately needs this win and I think we get the club's best effort. Give me the Twins on the run line as Gray dazzles and the offense gets to Ragans.

Pick: Twins -1.5 (+105)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

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