Free MLB Picks Today: Houston Astros vs Minnesota Twins 5/31/23

The Minnesota Twins (28-27) are on the road to face the Houston Astros (32-22) at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday with the three-game series in the balance.

The Astros evened the series 1-1 after winning 5-1 on Tuesday, their second head-to-head victory in five games this season. Starter Brandon Bielak went 5.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out six, to get the win.

Alex Bregman went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Jeremy Pena added a double and one run, walking twice. Christian Vazquez was 2 for 4 with one RBI for the Twins.

ON THE MOUND

Louie Varland (2-1, 4.24 ERA) is set to get the start for Minnesota. The righty allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 3-1 road defeat against the Blue Jays on Friday. He was charged with the loss, yielding seven hits while striking out three.

For Houston, righty Hunter Brown (5-1, 3.12 ERA) gets the ball. He has made one prior start against the Twins this season, giving up one run (0 ER) over seven innings in a 5-1 road win on April 9. He gave up two hits and walked two, while striking out seven in the win.

In his last start on Friday, Brown got the win on the road against the Athletics. He threw seven innings and gave up two runs on four hits, striking out 10 and walking one in the 5-2 victory.

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 Brown this season, the Twins have a .732 OPS. Joey Gallo is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .893 OPS in 107 at-bats.

Houston is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.5 for the season, with a better slash line (.251/.317/.491). The ‘Stros have a .699 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .957 OPS over 107 at-bats, Yordan Alvarez has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Minnesota is 12-15 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 3.7 runs. Houston has gone 15-12 at their home park this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 3.7. In the last 10 meetings at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.8-3.4.