Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the MLB match.
In the MLB, the Minnesota Twins will host the Kansas City Royals. Both teams have had uneven weeks, but the hosts retain their key starting pitcher, which could be a pivotal factor in this matchup.
Minnesota Twins
The starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, Joe Ryan, enters with a 10-5 record, a 2.83 ERA, and a 0.93 WHIP. He has been dominant against the Kansas City Royals, posting a 7-0 record and a 1.30 ERA. In his last six starts, he has conceded no more than two runs in five outings. The squad recently claimed a series win in Detroit (2:1), scoring 18 runs over three games. At home, they hold a 30-24 record. Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner have been actively producing RBIs in August, although Byron Buxton remains unavailable. The team averages 4.20 runs per game, while their pitching staff has shown inconsistency with a team ERA of 4.29.
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo comes in with an 8-5 record, a 3.06 ERA, and a 1.15 WHIP. Against the Minnesota Twins, Seth has a 1-2 record with a 3.53 ERA. The squad is five games off the Wild Card pace, and their offence has struggled — averaging only 3.70 runs per game, ranking 29th in the league. After a win over the Toronto Blue Jays, they lost their series against the Boston Red Sox. Their away record sits at 29-30. Bobby Witt Jr. leads the team with 64 RBIs.
Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals Prediction
The Minnesota Twins have a clear edge, largely due to the commanding form of Joe Ryan, who has consistently stifled the Kansas City Royals lineup. The Minnesota Twins are showing stronger offensive rhythm and have added incentive to solidify their home record following recent roster changes. Despite concerns over the bullpen and the continued absence of Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins appear well-positioned to dictate the tempo and come away with the victory.
