Twins vs Phillies Series Preview: Teams Looking to Solidify Playoff Spots

Philadelphia Getting Hot at the Right Time

August 11, 2023 100 3 minutes readMLB Picks & Parlays

Twins vs Phillies Series Preview: Teams Looking to Solidify Playoff Spots — Duane Burleson/Getty Images/AFP

The Twins vs Phillies series preview shows two teams who are trying to win to bolster their playoff chances. Minnesota has a 3.5-game lead over Cleveland in the AL Central. But the Twins have dropped three straight games. Philadelphia is holding a four-game advantage for a wild card spot.

The Twins are going to start Dallas Keuchel, who allowed one run in five innings in his first start of the season. The Phillies haven’t named any of their starting pitchers for the series. If the Phillies stick to their rotation, southpaw Cristopher Sanchez would get the start. In 10 starts he’s 0-3 but with a 3.44 ERA. The Phillies are -155 in the game and no total has been released.

The MLB stats show the Twins are No. 24 in team batting average and No. 17 in runs scored this season. The Twins are No. 8 in home runs, which helps explain why their runs scored is ranked higher than their batting average. Minnesota’s pitching has been solid all season. The Twins are No. 7 in team ERA, although the relievers have converted just 26 of 48 save opportunities.

The Phillies are No. 9 in team batting average and No. 12 in runs scored. Kyle Schwarber is among the MLB leaders 2023 in home runs with 30. He ranks No. 6 in MLB in homers. Philadelphia is No. 10 in team ERA and the relief pitchers are 34 of 52 in save opportunities. So the Phillies are a well-rounded team.

Friday’s Game

Even though Keuchel allowed one run in five innings, he was anything but impressive. He managed to work his way out of a few tough spots, but you can’t count on that consistently. He allowed eight hits and two walks in those five innings. Sanchez has thrown well this season and had some back luck. If he gets the start here, the Phillies are worth a look as a mid-sized favorite.

Saturday’s Game

The Twins vs Phillies series preview has Pablo Lopez as getting the start for the Twins. Once again, the Phillies are keeping quiet regarding their starter. Taijuan Walker would be up next in the rotation. Lopez is rounding into form for the Twins after a bit of a slow start. Over his last seven starts he’s pitched to a 2.56 ERA and struck out 53 in 45 2/3 innings. For the season, Lopez is 7-6 with a 3.81 ERA, which is close to his lifetime numbers. Walker is 13-4 with a 3.96 ERA this season. But Lopez is pitching better right now and is worth a look as an underdog against any of the Philadelphia starters.

Sunday’s Game

The Twins vs Phillies series preview shows more of the same for the Phillies, who haven’t named a starter for the finale. The Twins are going to start Sonny Gray, who is 5-5 with a 3.18 ERA. But the MLB betting news shows the Twins are just 10-13 when Gray starts despite his impressive stats. Minnesota is scoring just 3.52 runs for Gray. The Phillies should start Ranger Suarez, who is just 2-5 with a 3.96 ERA. But the Phillies are 9-7 when he starts and Minnesota scores just 3.54 runs against left-handed starters. Gray’s name and numbers will keep the price on the Phillies down a bit and if Suarez does get the start, he’s worth a play in this one.