Bryce Elder, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Atlanta Braves (51-27) as they match up against the Minnesota Twins (40-40) at Truist Park on Tuesday.
The Braves took Monday’s series opener 4-1. Starter Spencer Strider went seven innings to get the win, giving up one run on three hits and striking out 10, and Kirby Yates picked up his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth.
Michael Harris II’s on-base streak hit 10 as he went 3 for 3 with a double and one run in the win. Ronald Acuna Jr. added a home run and two RBIs. Joey Gallo was 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Twins.
ON THE MOUND
Joe Ryan (8-4, 2.98 ERA) is set to start for Minnesota. The RHP is tied for fourth in the AL in wins. Ryan went the distance for a complete game shutout in his last start in a 6-0 road victory over the Red Sox on Thursday. He allowed only three hits, striking out nine en route to the win.
Righty Elder (5-1, 2.40 ERA) is on the mound for Atlanta. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Twins. In his last start on Thursday, Elder took a no-decision on the road against the Phillies.
He threw seven scoreless innings and gave up three hits, striking out six and walking two in the 5-1 victory. The RHP leads the NL in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Minnesota has averaged 3.8 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.3. Against right-handed pitchers like Elder this season, the Twins have a .725 OPS.
Byron Buxton is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .817 OPS in 165 at-bats. Atlanta is averaging 6.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 5.5 for the season, with a higher slash line (.288/.361/.560).
The Braves have a .801 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the highest in the league. With a .399 OBP over 216 at-bats, Acuna Jr. has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Minnesota is 17-21 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 3.7 runs. Atlanta has won five in a row at home. The Braves are 25-15 at home this season, averaging 5.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Twins lead the AL Central by one game over the Guardians. The Braves lead the NL East by six games over the Marlins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (-155)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
