Houston (2-4) at Minnesota (2-4)
- When: Apr 3 2025, 4:10 PM
- Where: Target Field, Minneapolis
- Where to watch: MNNT
MLB Betting Preview: Astros vs Twins
Moneyline: Minnesota -126 | Total: 7.5
The Minnesota Twins finally found their stride just in time for Thursday’s home opener against the Houston Astros, and the timing couldn’t be better. After an 0-4 start to the season, Minnesota rebounded with back-to-back wins over the Chicago White Sox, injecting life into a lineup that had been sputtering through the opening stretch.
A major reason for the turnaround? The bats of Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. Both stars broke out on Wednesday with multi-hit performances in a 6-1 victory, highlighted by Buxton’s 446-foot moonshot to left field. When these two are clicking, the Twins’ offense becomes much harder to contain — and their momentum might just carry over into their Target Field debut.
Minnesota hands the ball to right-hander Joe Ryan, who delivered a sharp first outing this season. He allowed only one run over five innings with five strikeouts and no walks against the Cardinals. Ryan hasn’t had the best history against Houston (2-3, 7.66 ERA in five career starts), but he’s in strong form entering this one.
The Astros, meanwhile, arrive in Minneapolis trending in the wrong direction. Houston has dropped three straight and is still searching for answers at the plate, having managed just 12 runs over six games. New additions Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes have yet to make an impact, combining to go 6-for-44 at the plate to start the year.
Houston counters with right-hander Hunter Brown, who was solid in his season debut despite taking the loss. He gave up just two earned runs across six innings with seven strikeouts. However, Brown’s 5.70 ERA against the Twins over four career starts leaves some doubt about his ability to silence Minnesota’s heating bats.
Betting Outlook:
Moneyline Pick: With momentum swinging in their favor and the home crowd behind them, back the Twins (-126) to ride their recent offensive spark and grab another win.
Total Prediction (O/U 7.5): With both offenses capable of generating runs — especially if Buxton and Correa stay hot — lean toward the Over 7.5, even with cool, damp weather potentially in play.
Final Score Prediction: Twins 5, Astros 4
Minnesota looks like the sharper team at the moment, and Joe Ryan’s control gives them a slight edge in a close contest.
- MLB Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
