Twins vs Indians Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 8 (9/8): MLB

Credit: photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

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Preview

The Twins will once again be in Cleveland for the 3rd game of this 4 game series.  The Twins have been able to win the first two games, winning 5-2 and 3-0.  The  Twins sit dead last in the AL Central having no hope to make the post season.  The Indians on the other hand need to start winning some games as they sit  8.5 games back for a wildcard spot in the AL.  The Indians will look to get back these dropped games to the Twins to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive.

Pitching matchup

Twins

Joe Ryan (0-1, 5.40 ERA) will be on the mound for the Twins today when they take on the Indians.  Ryan comes in with a 0.80 WHIP and 5.35 XFIP.  Ryan got his first start against the Chicago Cubs and went 5 innings, striking out 5 hitters, while allowing 3 ER's.  He has been good in Triple AAA this year throwing 66 innings, striking out 92 hitters.  He had a 3.41 ERA and 0.79 WHIP, allowing opposing teams to only hit for a .173 average.  There is usually always a learning curve for younger prospects when they're called upon, so look for Ryan to go through some up and downs before finding his form. There's alwasy a possibilty it happens today when he takes on the Cleveland Indians.

Indians

Triston McKenzie (4-5, 4.62 ERA) will be on the bump for the Indians to take on the visiting Twins.  McKenzie enters this game with a 1.11 WHIP and 4.81 XFIP.  This season he boasts a nice 28.5% strikeout rate paired with an ugly 12.1% walk rate.  McKenzie has looked good at times this season, especially of late.  Mckenzie has been on fire in his last 5 starts, in the month of August he threw 28 innings, striking out 28 hitters, walking 2, and allowing a total of 6 ER's.  He followed his hot month of August with another good start this month his last time out going 6 innnings, striking out 6, while allowing 1 ER against the Royals.  He has benefited from facing some weaker teams but the main thing that stands out is that Mckenzie has been able to command his pitches, limiting the wallks.  He will look to continue his dominance against a good offensive road team in the Twins.

Prediction

The Twins have been one of the better road offenses against right handed pitching coming into this game tonight.  Though Triston Mckenzie has been on fire of late and the Twins are throwing out an inexperienced starter I still think there is some value going with the Twins in this one.  Joe Ryan is backed by some good numbers, even after a mediocre start last time out.  I'll take the slight road dogs in this one.

PICK: Twins ML (+120)

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