2:10 pm
April 21

Twins @ Royals

Who will WIN this matchup?

Minnesota Twins (4-8)

@ Kansas City Royals (5-5)

 

Starting Pitchers:

Ryan (MIN): 1-1; 2.70 ERA

Greinke (KC) 0-0; 2.45 ERA

 

Current odds:

Minnesota Twins: (-120)

Kansas City Royals: (+102)

 

• The starting line-up for the Twins is as follows:

 

• The starting line-up for the Royals is as follows:

 

• The Kansas City Royals will look for their first series sweep of the season as they host the Minnesota Twins on Thursday in the finale of a three-game set.

• The starting pitching is not the only reason to expect a low-scoring contest. The two clubs are among the lowest-scoring teams in the American League.

• On Wednesday, Daniel Lynch allowed just four hits over five-plus innings as the Royals claimed their first shutout of the season, 2-0. They also claimed their first shutout over the Twins since Aug. 20, 2016, with 94 games in between. The Royals’ bullpen has not allowed a run in the last 17 1/3 innings.

• Lynch’s counterpart, Chris Paddack, allowed just one hard-hit ball in five innings, but he gave up runs on a double-play groundout and a bunt single.

• Greinke has not picked up a victory since returning to the Royals this season — after being away since the 2010 season — but he has pitched well. He has allowed just three runs total while throwing more than five innings in each of his two starts. Greinke is 5-9 with a 4.63 ERA in 25 career games (21 starts) against the Twins. He allowed three runs in six innings during his only meeting with Minnesota last season.

• Ryan, who will be facing the Royals for the first time, allowed just two hits in four innings on Opening Day against the Mariners. However, he gave up four walks plus a two-run home run to Seattle’s Mitch Haniger. In his second start, Ryan struck out seven and walked none in six innings against Boston. He allowed just a solo home run to Alex Verdugo. He threw first-pitch strikes to 16 of 22 hitters, relying mostly on his slider.

4/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Minnesota Twins
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