The Texas Rangers (55-66) and Minnesota Twins (62-57) will go head-to-head on Monday in an American League matchup.
AL Central First Place
The Rangers are trying to make a late-season push for the playoffs while the Twins are 1.5 games out of first place in the AL Central, marking one of the more intriguing MLB games on Monday’s slate.
The Rangers enter play, having won two of the first three games of this series. They are aiming to put the finishing touches on a successful trip to Minnesota in this game.
Meanwhile, the Twins are looking to jump back into the win column after dropping two consecutive games. They will try to get revenge on Monday and earn a series split.
Monday’s First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM EST on Monday, August 22, 2022, at Target Field in Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the MLB picks today for the Rangers vs. Twins odds.
Rangers vs. Twins Odds
The Twins are favorites heading into Monday despite losing back-to-back affairs at home vs. the Rangers.
The odds suggest Minnesota will cover and earn a win. But are the Rangers primed for yet another upset? They have already upset the odds in back-to-back games thanks to some timely hitting and impressive pitching.
Competitive and High-Scoring
This projects to be a competitive and high-scoring affair between these two MLB teams. The starting pitchers will also affect the Rangers vs. Twins odds. Let’s break down the pitching matchup for Monday.
Texas Rangers vs. Minnesota Twins Betting Preview
Cole Ragans Analysis
Cole Ragans (0-2, 5.02) is still finding his footing in the big leagues. He offers potential, but his inexperience is worrisome heading into this affair.
The Twins have struggled to score runs in this series. But their lineup features a number of veteran hitters who will work good at-bats against Ragans.
Minnesota may be in a good position to break out on offense with Ragans on the hill. So is there any hope for Ragans on Monday?
Texas will be extremely pleased if he gives them five productive innings. I don’t know if it will happen, but there is a chance he pitches well.
Sonny Gray Analysis
Sonny Gray (7-3, 3.11) has been one of MLB’s most underrated pitches this season. The veteran right-hander has been very effective for a Minnesota team that entered the season desperately needing pitching.
The Twins’ pitching question marks were their greatest concern heading into the season. But they added a few arms, including Gray.
Gray’s Effective Results
Gray is steadily posting effective results for the Twins. He isn’t flashy on the hill, but the Twins certainly would not be where they are without him.
Sonny Gray will aim for another solid outing against the Rangers on Monday. He provides a major boost for Minnesota for the Rangers vs. Twins odds.
Texas Rangers vs. Minnesota Twins Picks and Predictions
So who wins this game? Can the Rangers upset the MLB odds yet again, or is Minnesota destined to bounce back with a victory?
This should end up being a fairly high-scoring affair. Sonny Gray is a good pitcher, but the Twins’ bullpen has some question marks.
Rangers’ Offense
So unless Gray goes seven-plus innings on Monday, the Rangers’ offense may be able to break through against the Twins’ relief core.
And on the other side, Minnesota shouldn’t have too much trouble against Ragans. The Twins have labored in terms of scoring runs this weekend, but they should be able to turn that narrative around in this affair.
With all of that being said, be sure to take the over on the listed total. As for the game itself, it will likely be a competitive ball game. The Twins are playing for more, though.
AL Central’s on the Line
The AL Central is on the line as the Guardians currently lead the division and the White Sox are right behind Minnesota in third.
From a motivational standpoint, the Twins have more to play for.
But the Rangers have an opportunity to play spoiler and hurt Minnesota’s chances of winning the division. With a win on Monday, they will have taken three out of four games from the Twins on the road.
In the end, I can’t recommend betting against Sonny Gray with Cole Ragans on the mound. Minnesota is in line for a rebound effort on Monday to close out the series. Go ahead and take the Minnesota Twins -1.5 on Monday in the series finale.
MLB Pick: Twins -1.5 (-100)
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