MLB Betting Odds and Predictions: New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins

The New York Yankees (42-39) and Minnesota Twins (36-42) will open up a four-game American League series at Target Field Monday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET

New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins

New York Yankees SP Andy Pettitte is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two career starts at Target Field

New York has lost five games in a row, with the offense scoring just 13 runs over that span, which includes a 4-2 setback to the Baltimore Orioles as +115 road underdogs on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. “Nobody likes to lose, so it’s frustrating,” commented Yankees designated hitter Travis Hafner. The Yankees are now 11-22 in their last 33 contests, which has dropped them a season-high 6.5 games out of first place in the AL East standings. New York is 2-4 on the road with a betting total of 9 to 9.5, with the UNDER going 3-2-1 in that situation.

Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte (5-6, 4.22 ERA) has dropped three consecutive decisions, including an 8-5 home loss to the Texas Rangers last time out, as he allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits over six frames. The left-hander is 4-2 with a 2.81 ERA in six road outings, issuing seven walks and striking out 36 batters in 41.2 combined innings. In 22 career starts versus the Twins, Pettitte has tallied a 12-5 record and 3.32 ERA, including a 2-0 mark and 1.29 ERA at this ballpark.

Minnesota has alternated wins and losses over its last five games, as it attempts to bounce back from a 9-8 defeat to the Kansas City Royals as -101 home underdogs Sunday, while going OVER the betting total of 8. “We gave the ballgame away pretty early,” commented Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. The Twins are just 7-6 against left-handed starters this season—the fewest games of any MLB team in that situation. Minnesota is 4-2 at home with a money line of -100 to -125 during the 2013 campaign.

Twins starting pitcher Scott Diamond (5-7, 5.40 ERA) has alternated wins and losses over his last three efforts, as he dropped a 5-3 decision on the road to the Miami Marlins last time out, allowing four runs and eight hits over five innings. The left-hander is 2-5 with a 6.21 ERA in seven home outings, with opposing hitters batting .342 against him. Diamond suffered a 6-4 road loss to the Yankees in his only career start against them on Sept. 19, 2011, as he allowed five runs and 10 hits in four innings of work.