7:10 pm
April 29

Twins @ Rays

Who will WIN this matchup?

Minnesota Twins (11-8)

@ Tampa Bay Rays (11-8)

 

Starting Pitchers:

Bundy (MIN): 3-0; 0.59 ERA

Kluber (TB) 0-1; 3.68 ERA

 

Current odds:

Minnesota Twins: (+115)

Tampa Bay Rays: (-135)

 

Brett Phillips is a jack of all trades for the Tampa Bay Rays, who will open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla. In 11 games this season, Phillips has already appeared at three positions — including pitcher — plus he’s seen action as a pinch hitter and pinch runner. He had a pair of two-out, RBI singles and a key defensive play Thursday as the Rays defeated the Seattle Mariners 2-1 for their fourth win in the past five games.

Tampa Bay opener Jeffrey Springs allowed the only Seattle run, and his fellow relievers combined for 6 1/3 scoreless innings. “Our bullpen has been amazing,” said right-hander Ryan Thompson, who got the final out for his second save of the season. “This year, especially with some of the injuries we’ve had … our bullpen has kind of had to take a lot more load. … “I think we’re just doing a really good job being a team down there in the bullpen and just picking each other up and keeping each other in the game and making sure we’re all prepared for whatever situation.”

The Rays will face a tough test Friday against a Minnesota team that has won seven consecutive games, including a 7-1 victory Thursday against the visiting Detroit Tigers. Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, the surprise free agent signing of the offseason, went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs.

Dylan Bundy (3-0, 0.59 ERA), the Twins’ scheduled Friday starter, has allowed just one run total while winning all three of his starts this season. The right-hander is 5-6 with a 6.19 ERA in 14 career appearances (13 starts) against Tampa Bay. Right-hander Corey Kluber (0-1, 3.68 ERA) is set to start for the Rays. He is 9-7 with a 3.40 ERA in 23 career starts against the Twins.

4/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Tampa Bay Rays