Free MLB Picks Today: Tampa Bay Rays vs Minnesota Twins 6/8/23

Hot-hitting Wander Franco will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Tampa Bay Rays (45-19) host the Minnesota Twins (31-31) at Tropicana Field on Thursday with the home team looking to sweep the three-game series.

The Rays lead the series 2-0 after winning 2-1 on Wednesday, their fifth straight victory overall. Jason Adam got the win with one inning of relief. Isaac Paredes went 1 for 2 with a solo home run in the win. Randy Arozarena added a solo home run. Royce Lewis was 1 for 4 with one RBI for the Twins.

ON THE MOUND

Bailey Ober (3-2, 2.33 ERA) is in line for the start for Minnesota. The right-hander threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 1-0 road win over the Guardians on Friday. He gave up four hits while striking out three in the no-decision.

For Tampa Bay, right-hander Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 3.72 ERA) takes the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Twins. In his last start on Saturday, Glasnow took a no-decision on the road against the Red Sox. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out six and walking three in the 4-2 victory.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Minnesota has averaged only 1.0 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.3, while performing worse across the board (.170/.235/.261).

Against right-handed pitchers like Glasnow this season, the Twins have a .715 OPS. Joey Gallo has been the team’s biggest extra-base threat against right-handers with a .509 slugging percentage in 146 at-bats.

Tampa Bay is averaging only 4.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.8 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.230/.310/.376).

The Rays have a .792 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the highest in the league. With a 1.002 OPS over 159 at-bats, Yandy Diaz has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Minnesota is 13-17 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 3.7 runs. Tampa Bay has won three in a row at Tropicana Field.

The Rays are 28-6 at home this season, averaging 5.9 runs per game while surrendering 3.5. The teams have split their last 10 meetings at Tropicana Field, though Tampa Bay has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.9-4.8.