Free MLB Picks Today: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Minnesota Twins 5/16/23

The Minnesota Twins (23-19) will have their work cut out for them against Clayton Kershaw at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday when the impressive left-hander takes the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers (27-15).

The Dodgers took Monday’s series opener 9-8 in 12 innings, their sixth straight victory overall and 11th in a row head-to-head. Phil Bickford got the win with three innings out of the bullpen.

Max Muncy went 3 for 5 with two home runs and three RBIs in the win. Jorge Polanco was 3 for 5 with a home run and a double for the Twins. He scored three runs.

ON THE MOUND

Bailey Ober (2-0, 1.85 ERA) is in line to get the start for Minnesota. The RHP allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-3 road win over the Padres on Thursday. He yielded six hits while striking out six in the no-decision.

For Los Angeles, left-hander Kershaw (6-2, 2.36 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Twins. Kershaw made one start against the Twins in 2022, throwing seven innings in a 7-0 road win on April 13.

He didn’t give up a hit and struck out 13 in the win. In his last start on Wednesday, Kershaw got the win on the road against the Brewers. He threw seven innings and gave up one run on five hits, striking out eight, in the 8-1 triumph. The lefty is tied for the NL lead in wins and is fifth in ERA and fifth in strikeouts (56).

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Minnesota has averaged 8.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.7, while performing better across the board (.289/.357/.551). Against lefties like Kershaw this season, the Twins have a .636 OPS, third lowest in MLB.

Carlos Correa is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a .886 OPS in 24 at-bats. Los Angeles is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.5 for the season.

The Dodgers have a .799 OPS against righties in 2023, second highest in the league. With a .410 OBP over 78 at-bats, Freddie Freeman has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Minnesota is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 9-11 in 2023. The Twins have scored 4.3 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.6 runs. Los Angeles has won 10 in a row in front of their home fans.

The Dodgers are 16-6 at home this season, averaging 5.9 runs per game while surrendering 3.0. In nine meetings at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles is 8-1 with an average scoreline of 6.4-4.4.