The Detroit Tigers (72–52, 33–28 away) look to complete a weekend sweep at Target Field against the struggling Minnesota Twins (57–65, 32–27 home). First pitch is set for 2:10 PM ET, as Detroit continues its strong push toward October while Minnesota tries to salvage a win at home.
Recent Team Form
Detroit Tigers (Last 5):
- W 7–0 @ MIN
- W 4–3 (11 inn.) @ MIN
- W 1–0 @ CHW
- L 9–6 @ CHW
- W 2–1 @ CHW
The Tigers have been on fire, winning four of their last five behind elite pitching and timely hitting. They’ve allowed just 4 total runs in their last three wins, showing why they’re one of the AL’s most complete teams.
Minnesota Twins (Last 5):
- L 7–0 vs DET
- L 4–3 (11 inn.) vs DET
- W 4–1 @ NYY
- L 9–1 @ NYY
- L 6–2 @ NYY
The Twins are sliding, losing four of their last five. Their offense has sputtered badly, managing just 7 runs across their last four defeats. Byron Buxton remains the focal point, but he needs more support from the rest of the lineup.
Probable Pitchers
| Team | Starter | W-L | ERA | WHIP | IP | H | K | BB | HR | Blurb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DET | Chris Paddack (RHP) | 4–10 | 4.76 | 1.22 | 126.2 | 127 | 92 | 28 | 20 | Paddack has had mixed results, struggling with the long ball, but his control (just 28 walks) keeps him competitive. |
| MIN | TBD (Bullpen/Spot Start) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | With several starters on the IL, Minnesota may rely on a bullpen game or a call-up, adding unpredictability to this matchup. |
Key Players to Watch
Detroit Tigers
- Riley Greene (.267 AVG, 28 HR, 89 RBI) — a legit MVP candidate, carrying Detroit’s offense with power and consistency.
- Kerry Carpenter — another dangerous bat capable of changing the game with one swing.
- Detroit Bullpen (3.80 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) — one of the most reliable groups in baseball.
Minnesota Twins
- Byron Buxton (.279 AVG, 24 HR, 60 RBI) — still the Twins’ most explosive threat, capable of turning a game on his own.
- Carlos Correa — needs to deliver more in the middle of the order for Minnesota to compete.
- Minnesota Pitching Staff (4.25 ERA) — depth issues have hurt them, and without a set starter, the bullpen will be under heavy pressure.
Matchup Breakdown
Detroit enters this game in playoff form, with both the lineup and pitching staff in sync. Paddack may not be dominant, but against a Twins offense that has struggled to score, he’s in a good spot to succeed.
The Twins’ rotation injuries have left them vulnerable, and without a true starter lined up, their bullpen could be stretched thin. If Minnesota falls behind early, it may be difficult for them to claw back against Detroit’s deep pitching staff.
Best Bets
- Tigers ML (Even) — Detroit’s momentum and superior pitching depth make them the safer side.
- Under 8.5 — with the Twins’ bats quiet and Detroit winning with pitching, runs may stay limited.
- Riley Greene to Hit a Home Run — he’s been locked in and faces a shaky Twins staff.
Prediction
Detroit stays hot, riding Greene’s bat and a strong pitching effort from Paddack to finish off a sweep. Minnesota’s lack of pitching depth shows again, while the Tigers keep stacking wins toward October.
Final Score: Tigers 6, Twins 2
