Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Guardians: Preview, Predictions and Picks for September 18, 2024

Published on:
Sep 18, 2024 6:13 AM
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Twins face off against the first-place Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, seeking to even the series after splitting the first two games. The Guardians, holding a commanding 8-3 lead in the regular season series, look to capitalize on their 46-28 home record. With the AL Central title still within reach, Cleveland aims to secure a crucial win in this pivotal matchup.
Written by
Optimal Staff
Minnesota Twins
Cleveland Guardians

Twins vs Guardians starting pitchers

  • Tanner Bibee for Cleveland Guardians
  • Bailey Ober for Minnesota Twins

Twins vs Guardians statistics

Stat Twins Guardians
Hits 1270 (11th) 1195 (25th)
Batting Average .249 (10th) .238 (20th)
Runs Batted In 671 (11th) 635 (15th)
Runs 707 (11th) 673 (15th)
Home Runs 178 (10th) 172 (13th)
Walks 438 (22nd) 444 (20th)
Stolen Bases 64 (Tied-29th) 142 (5th)
Strikeouts 1224 (21st) 1120 (27th)
Pitches 21756 (22nd) 21541 (25th)

Cleveland Guardians recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/17/24 vs Minnesota Twins L 4-1
9/16/24 vs Minnesota Twins W 4-3
9/15/24 vs Tampa Bay Rays W 2-0
9/14/24 vs Tampa Bay Rays W 6-1
9/13/24 vs Tampa Bay Rays L 3-1

Minnesota Twins recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
9/17/24 @ Cleveland Guardians W 4-1
9/16/24 @ Cleveland Guardians L 4-3
9/15/24 vs Cincinnati Reds W 9-2
9/14/24 vs Cincinnati Reds L 11-1
9/13/24 vs Cincinnati Reds L 8-4

Twins vs Guardians predictions

As the Minnesota Twins take on the Cleveland Guardians this Wednesday, all eyes will be on some key players whose performances could sway the game. For the Twins, Byron Buxton is expected to bring his usual mix of power and speed, contributing significantly both at bat and in the field. Similarly, Carlos Correa's ability to drive in runs coupled with his solid defense will also be crucial. Meanwhile, pitcher Bailey Ober needs to maintain his composure on the mound to suppress the Guardians' lineup, which could be key in tightening the Twins' defensive game.

On the flip side, the Cleveland Guardians have their set of aces ready to respond. Jose Ramirez, with his impressive power-hitting capability, will be pivotal in adding runs to the scoreboard. Additionally, Tanner Bibee is slated to start and his performance will be key in controlling the Twins' hitters. With Bibee’s knack for strikeouts, the Guardians will be looking for him to replicate his form and keep the game in their favor from the early innings.

Considering the current form and the matchups, it seems the Cleveland Guardians might have a slight edge over the Minnesota Twins in the upcoming game. Their stronger pitching rotation, led by Bibee, and the consistent hitting from Ramirez might just be too much for the Twins to handle on the road. It's gearing up to be an exciting contest, but I’d lean towards a Guardians win, especially with the home-field advantage at Progressive Field playing into their hands.

Cleveland Guardians injuries

  • Petey Halpin (CF): Day-To-Day
  • James Karinchak (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Alex Cobb (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Steven Kwan (LF): 10-Day-IL
  • Trevor Stephan (RP): 60-Day-IL

Minnesota Twins injuries

  • Kody Funderburk (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Max Kepler (RF): 10-Day-IL
  • Justin Topa (RP): 60-Day-IL
  • Alex Kirilloff (LF): 60-Day-IL
  • Chris Paddack (SP): 60-Day-IL

Twins vs Guardians game info

Venue Progressive Field
Location Cleveland, Ohio
First pitch Wed 6:40 PM
Temperature 74°
Chance of Rain 0%

Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Guardians Betting Odds

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