The Kansas City Royals (76-65) welcome the Minnesota Twins (76-64) to Kauffman Stadium for a 3-game series. First pitch in Friday’s opening game is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (Apple TV+). Let’s check out FanDuel Sportsbook’s odds around the Twins vs Royals Opportunities and place your best bets with our expert MLB tips and predictions.

Season series: Twins lead 7-3

The Twins beat 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 is still in 2nd place in the AL Central. The Twins have a record of 37-34 on the road and 64-76 against the spread (ATS).

The Royals beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 on Wednesday, but have been losing frequently lately. They are in third place in the AL Central after losing 7 of their last 8 games. Kansas City has a 77-64 ATS record and 42-30 at home, but is 1-4 in their last 5 home games.

Expected starters for the Twins at the Royals

RHP Zebby Matthews against LHP Cole Ragan’s

Matthews (1-2, 7.41 ERA) is making his 5th career start. He has a WHIP of 1.47, 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 the 15-0 home loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday
• Away statistics 2024: 0-1, 3.60 ERA (5 IP, 5 R, 2 ER), 1.20 WHIP, 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 WHIP of 1.17, 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 a 5-2 road loss to the Houston Astros on 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 against Twins: 1-2, 2.45 ERA (22 IP, 6 ER), 1.32 WHIP, 10.6 K/9 in 4 starts

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Twins at Royals odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; for a complete list visit the USA TODAY sports scores and betting odds hub. Odds last updated at 10:51 a.m. ET.

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

Tips and predictions for the Twins at the Royals

forecast

Royal 5, Gemini 2

Money line

BET ROYALS (-138).

The Royals have been solid with Ragans on the mound the last few weeks, going 4-2 in his last 6 starts. Ragans has allowed 1 or less ER in 3 of his last 5 starts. The Royals got back on their winning streak on Wednesday and had Thursday off, so they should be the more rested team.

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

Back ROYAL (-138).

Running Line/Against the Spread

HAPPEN.

The Twins are too expensive here as run-line underdogs, almost doubling your bet for a unit return. The Royals are also too risky as run-line favorites.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 7.5 (-115).

Both teams have struggled offensively in recent weeks. The Twins have scored 5 or fewer runs in 8 straight games and are 3-4-1 O/U in that stretch.

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

Take UNDER 7.5 (-115).

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