Free MLB Picks Today: Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankees 4/26/23

The Minnesota Twins (14-10) host the New York Yankees (13-11) at Target Field on Wednesday with the home team eyeing a sweep of the three-game series. The Twins lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-2 on Tuesday, their fourth head-to-head victory in six games this season.

Starter Joe Ryan got the win, giving up two runs (1 ER) on seven hits over seven innings and striking out seven. Byron Buxton went 2 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He had two RBIs. Trevor Larnach added a home run and two RBIs. Aaron Hicks was 1 for 3 with one run for the Yankees.

ON THE MOUND

Domingo German (1-2, 4.50 ERA) is in line to get the start for New York. The right-hander allowed four runs over six innings in his last start, a 6-1 road defeat against the Blue Jays on Friday. He was charged with the loss, scattering five hits while striking out six and walking two.

German has made one previous start against the Twins this season, a 6-1 home victory on April 15. He surrendered one run on three hits over 6.1 innings, striking out 11. Right-hander Kenta Maeda (0-3, 4.15 ERA) will toe the rubber for Minnesota.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Yankees. In his last start on Thursday, Maeda took the loss on the road against the Red Sox. He threw two innings and gave up one run on one hit, walking one, in the 11-5 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, New York has averaged only 1.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.0, while slashing worse across the board (.200/.238/.281). Against right-handed pitchers like Maeda this season, the Yanks have a .694 OPS.

Aaron Judge is the team’s most powerful hitter against right-handers with a .577 slugging percentage in 56 at-bats. Minnesota is averaging only 4.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.3 for the season. The Twins have a .712 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .839 OPS over 63 at-bats, Buxton has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

New York is 4-4 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.4 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. Minnesota has won three in a row at their home ballpark.

The Twins are 7-4 at home this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 3.5. New York is 6-4 in the last 10 games at Target Field between the teams with an average scoreline of 6.1-5.6.