Joe Ryan, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Minnesota Twins (19-15) as they face off against the Cleveland Guardians (15-18) at Progressive Field on Sunday with the three-game series knotted at 1-1.
The Guardians leveled the series 1-1 after winning 4-3 on Saturday. Trevor Stephan threw 1.1 innings of relief to get the win, and Emmanuel Clase picked up his 11th save with a scoreless ninth.
Steven Kwan’s on-base streak reached 15 as he went 1 for 4 with a solo home run in the win. Carlos Correa was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Twins.
ON THE MOUND
Ryan (5-0, 2.37 ERA) is set for the start for Minnesota. The righty is tied for second in the AL in wins and fifth in ERA. Ryan threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 3-2 road defeat against the White Sox on Tuesday.
He scattered one hit while striking out seven and walking two in the no-decision. Ryan is making his first appearance against the Guardians this season. Over three starts against the Guardians in 2022, Ryan was 2-0 with a 1.83 ERA over 19.2 innings.
He had 17 strikeouts and three walks. RHP Cal Quantrill (1-2, 4.73 ERA) takes the mound for Cleveland. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Twins.
Quantrill made three appearances against the Twins in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 12 and walking two over 18.1 innings (2-0, 3.44).In his last start on Monday, Quantrill took a no-decision on the road against the Yankees. He threw 7.1 innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out two and walking one in the 3-2 win.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Minnesota has averaged 3.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.5. Against righties like Quantrill this season, the Twins have a .714 OPS. Byron Buxton is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .967 OPS in 91 at-bats.
Cleveland is averaging only 2.4 runs per game in the last five, down from 3.6 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.169/.244/.206).
The Guardians have a .632 OPS against right-handers in 2023, second lowest in MLB. With a .960 OPS over 86 at-bats, Jose Ramirez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Minnesota is 9-9 away from Target Field in 2023, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 3.3 runs. Cleveland has gone 5-9 at home this season, averaging 2.8 runs per game while surrendering 4.4.
Cleveland is 7-3 in the last 10 games between the AL Central rivals at Progressive Field with an average scoreline of 4.3-3.7.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Twins lead the AL Central by three games over the Tigers. The Guardians are third in the AL Central, three games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (+125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
