Dave Cokin 3% [MLB] (971) Tampa Bay Rays at (972) Minnesota Twins
Time: 7:10 PM EDT 1H Minnesota Twins -130 M Wacha (RHP), K Maeda (RHP) Must Start
Analysis:
Oddsmakers making the case for Minnesota here. The Rays are on fire, the Twins are 16 games below .500, and yet it's Minnesota that's favored and not even all that cheap. I'm more about matchups than interpreting the betting line, but this one is pretty clear. That doesn't mean it's an automatic winner by any means, but when I see one that fits as this much of an outlier, it sure gets my attention. And in this case, it's supported by a definite mound edge with Kenta Maeda facing Michael Wacha. The OPS comparison is telling. Maeda is .066 better on the season, and .277 better when factoring in the home/road splits. Recent form also points Maeda's way as Wacha is off two very poor starts. With the starting pitcher advantage and the line being where it is, I'm backing Minnesota to win the F5 tonight.