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The Minnesota Twins’ playoff hopes are on life support after losing six of their last seven games. They will try to build momentum in Kansas City on Thursday versus the Royals.
Minnesota Twins (-130, 8) vs. Kansas City Royals
The Twins give rookie Josh Winder the start. He’s had an adventurous 2022 season, which has involved injuries and stints in the minors. That has limited him to just two MLB starts since the All-Star break.
Winder has not completed five innings in either of his post All-Star break starts, surrendering six runs and three home runs in 8 1/3 innings — both starts came against the Cleveland Guardians.
The Royals counter with Jon Heasley, who’s allowed three earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. But, he’s walked at least two batters in every start and has a 5.09 ERA this year.
Heasley has been lackluster at home, posting a 6.43 ERA with 1.7 home runs per nine innings allowed. Since he’s gone five innings or fewer in eight of his last 12 starts, the Royals will likely need to rely on their bullpen.
The Royals’ 4.67 bullpen ERA is the worst bullpen ERA in the American League, and it’s increased to a 5.24 ERA since August 12.
The Royals offense enters Thursday having scored at least five runs in four of the last five games. With the pitching deficiencies featured in this game, this matchup should lead to a hit parade in Kansas City on Thursday.
The Play: Twins vs. Royals Over 8
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