Twins vs Tigers Odds - Playoffs start now for AL Central contenders
The Twins vs Tigers odds essentially signal the start of the MLB betting playoffs. Almost every other playoff race has been decided, but the Twins sit just two games behind the Tigers in the American League Central with seven games remaining. This week’s four-game set should make or break each team’s season.
Twins vs Tigers Odds: Twins aren’t done yet
- Miggy and the Tigers will start the series in style tonight
- Brian Duensing will slay the giant on Tuesday; Pavano will be a giant on Wednesday
- Put up or shut up time for Scott Baker
Tonight, 7:05 p.m. ET
Twins vs Tigers odds: Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.18) vs Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.14)
It’s safe to say Nick Blackburn has his work cut out for him tonight. The innings eater is 3-7 with a 6.19 ERA in the second half and has 5.11 ERA in two starts against Detroit this season. Miguel Cabrera should inflict damage; he’s hitting .340 since the All-Star break and has driven in six runs in just 13 at-bats against Blackburn. Rick Porcello is 8-3 at home in his rookie season and, while he’s lost twice in three tries against Minnesota this season, his 3.71 ERA over that span shows the defeats were more about poor run support than anything else. He’ll be luckier tonight. Twins vs Tigers Betting Edge: Tigers
Tuesday, September 29, 7:05 p.m. ET
Twins vs Tigers odds: Brian Duensing (5-1, 3.33) vs Justin Verlander (17-9, 3.41)
Who the heck is Brian Duensing? We keep betting against this unknown hurler at the sportsbook and he keeps winning – five straight decisions, to be exact. The numbers favor him overwhelmingly for Tuesday’s matchup; he’s 3-0 with a 1.74 ERA this month and has allowed one earned run in 14.2 innings against Detroit this season. Justin Verlander is Detroit’s unquestioned ace but the Twins have figured him out. He’s winless in three starts against them and they beat him up for 10 runs over his last two meetings with them. If the splits mean anything, the Twinkies will solve him again. Twins vs Tigers Betting Edge: Twins
Wednesday, September 30, 7:05 p.m. ET
Twins vs Tigers odds: Carl Pavano (13-11, 4.86) vs Eddie Bonine (0-1, 4.60)
What can we expect from Detroit’s Eddie Bonine on Wednesday? He’s allowed three runs or fewer in all three of his 2009 starts but he’s homer prone, serving up seven long flies in just 29.1 innings this year. You can bet sweet-swinging lefties Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer connect on Bonine gopher balls. Carl Pavano has been serviceable since joining the Twins and, more importantly, is a Tiger hunter extraordinaire. He’s 4-0 against Detroit in 2009 with a 1.69 ERA, zero homers allowed and one walk in 37.1 dominant innings. There’s no real reason to expect a change this time around in your online sports betting. Twins vs Tigers Betting Edge: Twins
Thursday, October 1, 1:05 p.m. ET
Twins vs Tigers odds: Scott Baker (14-9, 4.48) vs Nate Robertson (2-2, 5.56)
Whatever happens, both teams can say they’ll play meaningful baseball in October, so they have to be happy with their seasons to date. Scott Baker remains amazingly accurate, having walked just 43 batters in 189 innings this year, but he has to be better against Detroit. The Tigers have rocked him for 15 runs in 15 innings. His 27 homers allowed this season are cause for major concern too. Then again, the Twins receive a lovely gift Thursday afternoon in the atrocious Nate Robertson, who has walked 28 batters in 43.2 innings this year. Morneau has four homers off Robertson in 43 at-bats and could lead the Minnesota attack to a win. Though Baker’s numbers don’t inspire confidence, he’s a good young pitcher making arguably the most important start of his career. Give him a chance to prove himself. Twins vs Tigers Betting Edge: Twins
MLB betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
It would be nice to just hand a freebie playoff berth to Texas, San Francisco or Atlanta, as no team from the American League Central is truly good enough to deserve a playoff spot. But the fact of the matter is that the AL Central will yield a playoff team, and it could still be Minnesota. The Twins will close the gap even more this week. DALE’S PICK: Twins to win three of four
Check our sportsbook every day this week for Twins vs Tigers odds. For other sports betting tips, keep reading the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. Dale Lalonde is BetOnline.com's MLB expert.
