Astros vs Twins Prediction MLB Picks Today 5/31

Astros vs Twins Prediction MLB Picks Today 5/31

© Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

 

Twins vs Astros (May 31, 2023) Pregame: Experts Offer MLB Picks and Parlay Predictions

The Minnesota Twins (28-27, 12-15 away) visit the Houston Astros (32-22, 15-12 home) on May 31, 2023, in a highly anticipated matchup. As the game approaches, MLB picks experts and analysts are offering their predictions and best MLB bets today. The Twins and Astros have played two games already in this series, and they are currently tied 1-1. The winning team in this final game of the series will leave the field with a winning series under their belt. The Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, will host the game set to start at 8:10 PM. The stadium has a capacity of 41,000, and the game is expected to draw a good number of fans hoping to see the home team clinch a series win. 

 

Twins: Pitching Analysis

The Minnesota Twins have had an up-and-down season thus far, and a lot of that can be attributed to their pitching staff. With a team ERA of 3.44, the Twins have the second-best pitching in the league behind only the Houston Astros. However, the Twins have struggled to get consistent production from their starting rotation. One bright spot for the Twins has been the emergence of young pitcher Louie Varland. The 22-year-old right-hander has put up solid numbers in his rookie season, with a 2-1 record, 2.41 ERA, and 1.18 WHIP in six starts. If Varland can continue to pitch at a high level, it could provide a boost for the Twins' rotation. The rest of the rotation has been somewhat hit-or-miss. Veteran right-hander Sonny Gray has been solid with a 4-3 record, 3.39 ERA, and 1.13 WHIP in nine starts. However, right-hander Jhoan Duran has struggled in his four starts, posting a 1-1 record, 8.71 ERA, and 2.12 WHIP. Left-hander Pablo Lopez has also struggled, with a 1-4 record, 5.32 ERA, and 1.43 WHIP in eight starts. In the bullpen, the Twins have been led by closer Emilio Pagan, who has converted 10 of 12 save opportunities with a 1.86 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. Right-hander Griffin Jax has also been an effective middle reliever with a 2-1 record, 2.27 ERA, and 1.02 WHIP in 16 appearances. Overall, the Twins have the talent to compete in the American League, but they will need more consistent production from their starting rotation if they hope to make a deep playoff run. As always, be sure to check expert MLB picks and parlay odds before placing any bets on the Twins or any other team.

Twins: Hitting Analysis

When the Minnesota Twins take on the Houston Astros on May 31, 2023, the Twins will be looking for their third win in a row against the Astros. While the Twins have struggled for much of the season, their offense has been a bright spot, with the team ranking 15th in the league in runs scored and second in home runs. Leading the way for the Twins has been first baseman Joey Gallo, who has hit 11 home runs on the season and is averaging a .200 batting average. Gallo will be a player to watch out for during the game against the Astros, as he will look to continue his hot streak at the plate. The Twins' offense will need to step up against the Astros, who have one of the best pitching staffs in the league. The Astros' pitching rotation is led by Hunter Brown, who has a 5-13 record on the season with a 1.21 ERA and 57 strikeouts. Brown will look to shut down the Twins' offense, but with players like Gallo and Byron Buxton, who is averaging a .221 batting average, the Twins' hitters have the potential to break through and put runs on the board. It remains to be seen if the Twins will be able to come out on top against the Astros, who are currently one of the top teams in the league. However, if the Twins' offense can come alive and their pitchers can keep the Astros' hitters in check, then the Twins have a chance to pull off the upset and take the series against the Astros. As with any MLB picks and parlay, it's important to consider the odds and expert picks before making any bets. Regardless, it should be an exciting game between two talented teams.

 

Astros: Pitching Analysis

As we approach the May 31st matchup between the Minnesota Twins and the Houston Astros, pitching will be a crucial factor to consider. The probable pitchers for the game are Louie Varland for the Twins, and Hunter Brown for the Astros. Varland has had a rough season so far, with a record of 2-14 and an ERA of 4.24. He has given up 35 walks and 79 hits, including 7 home runs. However, he has managed to strike out 47 batters, showing some potential for a comeback. On the other hand, Brown has been performing well for the Astros with a record of 5-13 and an ERA of 2.12. He has only given up 16 walks and 84 hits, including 18 home runs. Brown has also struck out 161 batters, demonstrating his strength on the mound. MLB picks experts and MLB picks and parlay websites have favored the Astros in this matchup with a 67.5% chance of winning. In terms of MLB expert picks today and the best MLB bets today, many analysts are recommending taking the Astros with the spread. However, the MLB picks odds may change closer to game day. Overall, based on current statistics and analytics, it seems the Astros have the upper hand in the pitching department. Varland will need to bring his A-game to try and outperform Brown and lead the Twins to victory.

Astros: Hitting Analysis

As the Twins and Astros prepare to take the field on May 31, 2023, MLB Picks Experts are analyzing the hitting performance of both teams. MLB Picks and Parlay experts are particularly interested in the MLB Experts Picks Today, as they consider making the best MLB bets today using the MLB picks with spread and the MLB picks for today's odds. According to PickCenter analysis, the Twins are struggling in their offense with a batting average of .233, ranking them 24th in the league. They are scoring an average of 4.57 runs per game and hitting an average of 7.87 hits per game. The Astros, on the other hand, have a better batting average of .245, ranking them 16th in the league. They are scoring an average of 5.54 runs per game and hitting an average of 8.84 hits per game. It's clear that the Astros have the edge in hitting going into this game. However, with the Twins' strong pitching, it's still anyone's game. MLB Picks and Parlays experts will have to consider all factors before making the best MLB bets today.

 

Injury Report:

As the season heats up, injuries have become a major concern for many teams. The Minnesota Twins have been hit hard by injuries, with several players currently on the IL. Emilio Pagan, Nick Gordon, Jorge Polanco, Caleb Thielbar, and Kenta Maeda are all battling various injuries and their status remains day-to-day or 15/60-day IL. On the other hand, the Houston Astros have been relatively healthy with only a few players on the day-to-day list. Will Wagner, Forrest Whitley, and Ty Buttrey are currently out, while Lance McCullers Jr. and Jose Urquidy are on the 15-day IL. With these injuries in mind, MLB picks experts and analysts are keeping a close eye on the status of each player, as they can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. MLB picks and parlay predictions will take the injury report into account when making their final decisions. However, the best MLB bets today may not be clear-cut due to the combination of injuries and form. 

Player Team Position Injury Status
Emilio Pagan Minnesota Twins RP day-to-day
Nick Gordon Minnesota Twins 2B 60-day IL
Jorge Polanco Minnesota Twins 2B 10-day IL
Caleb Thielbar Minnesota Twins RP 15-day IL
Kenta Maeda Minnesota Twins SP 15-day IL
Will Wagner Houston Astros 2B out
Forrest Whitley Houston Astros SP day-to-day
Ty Buttrey Houston Astros RP day-to-day
Lance McCullers Jr. Houston Astros SP 15-day IL
Jose Urquidy Houston Astros SP 15-day IL

 

Prediction 

Based on the statistical analysis and performance of both teams, it is predicted that the Houston Astros will emerge victorious over the Minnesota Twins with a final score of 5-3. However, the spread and odds suggest that the Twins will put up a good fight and may cover the spread with the Astros winning by just a run. While the Astros have a better record and are playing at home, we cannot discount the Minnesota Twins' ability to pull off an upset. Their offense is ranked higher than the Astros' and their pitching has been consistent, with Louie Varland expected to start the game. 

 

Pick: Minnesota Twins +1.5

Upgrade to View Prediction
Winnings $81,740
last 30 days winnings $2,170
Yesterday winnings $1,600
Top Sport MLB
W-L-D 643 - 422 - 12
Winnings % 59%
Winnings $83,830
last 30 days winnings ($260)
Yesterday winnings $0
Top Sport MLB
W-L-D 1299 - 1121 - 96
Winnings % 51%