The Minnesota Twins (26-25) host the Toronto Blue Jays (27-25) at Target Field on Saturday. The Blue Jays took Friday’s series opener 3-1.
Starter Kevin Gausman went 5.1 innings for the win, giving up one run on four hits and striking out eight, and Jordan Romano earned his 11th save with a scoreless ninth.
Kevin Kiermaier was 2 for 3 with a solo home run and a triple in the win. Bo Bichette added a home run and two RBIs. Kyle Garlick went 1 for 2 with a double and one RBI for the Twins.
ON THE MOUND
Chris Bassitt (5-3, 3.03 ERA) is slated to start for Toronto. The righty allowed six runs (two earned) over 6.1 innings in his last start, a 6-4 road defeat against the Rays on Monday. He took the loss, scattering seven hits while striking out four and walking one.
For Minnesota, RHP Pablo Lopez (2-3, 3.90 ERA) will take the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Blue Jays. In his last start on Sunday, Lopez took the loss on the road against the Angels. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out nine and walking three in the 4-2 defeat. The right-hander is tied for third in the AL in strikeouts (75).
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged 6.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.8, while slashing better across the board (.328/.362/.540). Against right-handed pitchers like Lopez this season, the Jays have a .763 OPS.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the team’s biggest slugger against right-handers with a .516 slugging percentage in 109 at-bats. Minnesota is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.5 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.185/.281/.331).
The Twins have a .726 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .903 OPS over 128 at-bats, Byron Buxton has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Toronto is 14-16 in away games in 2023, scoring 5.1 runs per game while allowing 4.9 runs. Minnesota has gone 15-11 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. In the last 10 meetings at Target Field, Toronto is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.4-3.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Blue Jays are fifth in the AL East, 10 games behind the division-leading Rays. The Twins lead the AL Central by two games over the Tigers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (+100)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
