The Kansas City Royals (76-65) welcome the Minnesota Twins (76-64) heads to Kauffman Stadium for a three-game series. First pitch in Friday’s opener is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (Apple TV+). Let’s take a look at FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Gemini vs. Royals chances and make our expert MLB predictions for the best bets.

Season Series: Twins Lead 7-3

The Twins defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to split the 4-game series. Minnesota has struggled recently, losing 7 of its last 11 games. Despite this, it still sits in 2nd place in the AL Central. The Twins are 37-34 away and 64-76 against the spread (ATS).

The Royals defeated the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 on Wednesday, but have had a losing streak of late. They are in third place in the AL Central after losing seven of their last eight games. Kansas City is 77-64 ATS and 42-30 at home, but is 1-4 in its last five home games.

Twins expected starters at Royals

RHP Zebby Matthews versus LHP Cole Ragans

Matthews (1-2, 7.41 ERA) is making his 5th career start. He has a 1.47 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 in 17 IP.

• Last Start: Loss, 2 IP, 9 ER (9 R), 10 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 15-0 home loss to the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday
• Away stats 2024: 0-1, ERA 3.60 (5 IP, 5 R, 2 ER), WHIP 1.20, 1.8 K/9 in 1 start
• Career vs. Royals: 1-0, 3.60 ERA (5 IP, 2 ER), 1.00 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 1 start

Ragans (10-9, 3.46 ERA) is making his 29th start. He has a 1.17 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 11.0 K/9 in 161 1/3 IP.

• Last Start: Loss, 5 IP, 5 ER (5 R), 4 H, 2 BB, 10 K in 5-2 away loss to the Houston Astros Saturday
• Home stats 2024: 6-5, 3.83 ERA (82 1/3 IP, 35 ER), 1.24 WHIP, 11.9 K/9 in 15 starts
• Career vs. Twins: 1-2, 2.45 ERA (22 IP, 6 ER), 1.32 WHIP, 10.6 K/9 in 4 starts

Who’s going to the garden?? Here is a summary of today’s events best homerun props with our top picks. Including the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE receives a first bet of $1,500.

Twins vs Royals Odds

Powered by FanDuel Sportsbook; visit USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for full listings. Lines last updated at 10:51am ET.

• Money Line (ML): Twins +118 (bet $100 to win $118) | Royals -138 (bet $138 to win $100)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Gemini +1.5 (-182) | Royals -1.5 (+150)
• Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Twins at Royals Picks and Predictions

Prediction

Royals 5, Gemini 2

Moneyline

BET ON ROYALS (-138).

The Royals have been solid the last few weeks with Ragans on the mound, going 4-2 in his last 6 starts. Ragans has allowed 1 or fewer ERs in 3 of his last 5 starts. The Royals got back on their winning path on Wednesday and had Thursday off, so should be the most rested side as well.

The Twins have scored 9 runs in their last 3 games, so their offense hasn’t been as consistent in the last few games. Neither team has performed well in the last few weeks, but the Royals have the most reliable pitching on the mound and have been solid at home this season.

Back ROYAL (-138).

Run line/Against the spread

PASSAGE.

The Twins are too expensive here as a run-line underdog, nearly double your stake for a unit return. The Royals are also too risky as a run-line favorite.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 7.5 (-115).

Both teams have struggled on offense in recent weeks. The Twins have scored 5 or fewer runs in eight consecutive games and are 3-4-1 O/U in that streak.

Meanwhile, the Royals are 1-4-1 O/U in their last 6 and have scored 4 or fewer runs in 7 straight games and have scored 2 or fewer runs in 6 of those 7 games. Kansas City is also 0-2 O/U in Ragan’s last 2 starts.

To take UNDER 7.5 (-115).

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