Free MLB Picks Today: Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals 9/14/22

The Kansas City Royals (57-85) are on the road to face the Minnesota Twins (70-70) at Target Field on Wednesday. The Twins took Tuesday’s series opener 6-3, their fifth straight head-to-head victory and 10th in 14 games this season. Joe Ryan threw seven scoreless, no-hit innings- striking out nine – to get the win. Gio Urshela went 3 for 3 with a solo home run in the win over the Royals. Jose Miranda added a home run and two RBIs, walking twice. Sebastian Rivero added one RBI on one hit.

ON THE MOUND

Zack Greinke (4-8, 4.00 ERA) is slated to start for Kansas City. The righty allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 2-1 road win over the Guardians on September 7. He scattered six hits while striking out two and walking one in the no-decision. Over three previous starts against the Twins this season, Greinke has allowed seven earned runs over 15 innings (0-3, 4.20). He has struck out eight and walked three. For Minnesota, RHP Sonny Gray (7-4, 3.10 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made two appearances against the Royals this season, both starts, giving up one run over 12 innings (2-0, 0.75) with 14 strikeouts and one walk. In his last start on Thursday, Gray took a no-decision on the road against the Yankees. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on seven hits, striking out seven and walking one in the 4-3 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Kansas City has averaged 3.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.9. Against right-handed pitchers like Gray this season, the Royals have a .668 OPS, fourth lowest in MLB. Bobby Witt Jr. is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .723 OPS in 385 at-bats. Minnesota is averaging only 4.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.4 for the season. The Twins have a .732 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .845 OPS over 382 at-bats, Luis Arraez has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Kansas City is 23-44 away from home in 2022, scoring 3.9 runs per game while allowing 5.1 runs. Minnesota has gone 41-32 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. In the last 10 meetings at Target Field, Minnesota is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.7-3.2.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Royals are fourth in the AL Central, 19 games behind the division-leading Guardians. The Twins are third in the AL Central, five games behind the Guardians. They are sixth in the Wild Card race, eight games out of a postseason position.