Twins vs. Athletics Prediction and Odds for Monday, May 16 (Value on Twins and the Total)

After taking two of three from the Guardians, the 19-15 Minnesota Twins turn their attention to the 15-21 Oakland Athletics as their three-game series kicks off tonight at 9:40 PM EST.

Oakland lost three of four to the Angels as their offense continues to struggle. They'll send rookie Zach Logue to the mound and he's been impressive, amassing a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings over two starts. He limited the Twins to two runs in the first start of his career but took the loss when the Athletics lineup couldn't muster enough runs.

Chris Archer gets the nod for Minnesota after giving up four runs in three innings to the Astros. Archer has yet to make it through five innings in six starts and has struggled with command, ranking in the 18th percentile in walk rate.

Can the A's bats finally wake up against a beatable opponent or will the Twins notch a fourth-straight win over Oakland?

Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook as we pick a winner in this Twins vs Athletics series-opening matchup:

Twins vs Athletics Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Twins -1.5 (+130)
• Athletics +1.5 (-160)

Moneyline:

• Twins: -120
• Athletics: +100

Total:

• 7.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Twins vs Athletics Prediction and Pick

Against opponents not named Detroit, the Athletics are 1-12 over their last 13 games. Unfortunately for them, Minnesota is not named Detroit.

There's reason to be optimistic facing Chris Archer today. Archer has been terrible. He's in the 13th percentile in expected ERA, 14th percentile in barrel percentage, and 18th in walk rate. By showcasing a lack of stamina, he's putting a lot of pressure on the Twins bullpen as well. Minnesota's relievers rank sixth in MLB in ERA so they're up to the task, but you'd certainly prefer he stopped being so bad.

Archer's 6.24 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) suggests he's been quite lucky to amass a 4.43 ERA to this point, as well.

Zach Logue has looked strong in his first two starts, but the Twins get to face him for a second time already and should have greater success. Logue is in the 11th percentile in barrel percentage and 15th percentile in expected slugging percentage, so hitters have been able to square the baseball up even though the runs haven't come yet.

This total is just too low for my liking. The wind is blowing straight out to center field today and both squads' bullpens have been heavily utilized in recent days. I'll take the over, but I can't help but fade the Athletics as well. They've lost eight straight as a home underdog with every loss coming by multiple runs. The Twins rank seventh in OPS against left-handed pitchers and I think their offense finds success today in a win.

Pick: Twins (-120) and Over 7.5 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.