Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Minnesota Twins 5/15/23

The Los Angeles Dodgers (26-15), one of the best lineups in the league, are set to host the Minnesota Twins (23-18) at Dodger Stadium on Monday for the opener of a three-game Interleague series.

The Twins are embarking on a six-game road trip after wrapping up a successful six-game homestand (4-2). They won two out of three in their last series against the Cubs, taking the finale 16-3 on Sunday at Target Field.

Trevor Larnach was 2 for 4 with a home run and a double. He scored two runs and drove in four. Jorge Polanco added a double and one run, walking three times.

The Dodgers are in the midst of a six-game homestand. They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Padres, taking the finale 4-0 on Sunday at Dodger Stadium for their fifth straight win. Mookie Betts went 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs.

Miguel Vargas added a double and two RBIs. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. In 2022, the Dodgers won all four games between the teams, including a sweep in their most recent two-game series at Dodger Stadium in August.

ON THE MOUND

Pablo Lopez (2-2, 3.47 ERA) is slated to start for Minnesota. The right-hander is tied for fourth in the AL in strikeouts (62). Lopez allowed one run over 6.1 innings in his last start, a 4-3 road win over the Padres on Wednesday.

He yielded two hits while striking out eight and walking four in the no-decision. Lopez made one start against the Dodgers in 2022, a 3-2 home loss for the Marlins on August 29.

He surrendered two runs on five hits over six innings, striking out six and walking three. RHP Noah Syndergaard (1-3, 6.12 ERA) takes the mound for Los Angeles.

In his last start on Tuesday, Syndergaard took a no-decision on the road against the Brewers. He threw one scoreless inning and gave up one hit, walking one, in the 6-2 victory.

AT THE PLATE

The Minnesota offense is averaging 4.7 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .222/.301/.394. Byron Buxton leads the team in OPS at .796. The center fielder is slashing .215/.327/.469 with eight home runs, 19 RBIs, and 24 runs over 37 games.

Over the last five games, though, Minnesota has averaged 7.6 runs a game while performing better across the board (.287/.351/.557). Against right-handed pitchers like Syndergaard this season, the Twins have a .710 OPS. Buxton also is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .882 OPS in 103 at-bats.

Los Angeles is slashing .231/.326/.449 for the season and averaging 5.4 runs per game, fourth best in MLB. Four Dodgers hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by James Outman (.929).

The center fielder has eight home runs, 23 RBIs, and 26 runs scored with a slash line of .273/.368/.561. The Dodgers have ann .801 OPS against right-handers in 2023, third highest in MLB. With a 1.007 OPS over 78 at-bats, Max Muncy has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Minnesota is 9-10 away from Target Field in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 3.3 runs. Los Angeles has won nine in a row in front of their home fans.

The Dodgers are 15-6 at home this season, averaging 5.7 runs per game while surrendering 2.8. In eight meetings at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles is 7-1 with an average scoreline of 6.1-4.0.