Minnesota Twins vs
Chicago CubsPredictions & Preview

Twins Look to Capitalize on Kyle Hendricks' Struggles as They Take on Cubs at Wrigley Field

The Minnesota Twins are set to take on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series at Wrigley Field starting on Monday. The Cubs will have Kyle Hendricks on the mound, while the Twins have yet to announce their starting pitcher. The Twins have a 61-48 record and are currently 2nd in the AL Central, while the Cubs are 49-60 and sit 4th in the NL East. In their last series, the Twins took two out of three games from the Cubs. The game is scheduled for 8:05 PM Eastern time, with the Twins opening as the betting favorite.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Twins -117 | Cubs +105
• Spread: Twins -1.5 (+136) | Cubs +1.5 (-157)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Minnesota will win straight-up is 54%.

Minnesota vs Chicago Stats

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have extended their winning streak to three games, with a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Pitcher Bailey Ober earned his 11th win of the season, going seven innings and allowing two earned runs. Twins' relief pitchers held the White Sox scoreless in the final two innings. Right fielder Max Kepler and catcher Ryan Jeffers hit home runs in the game. The Twins' pitching staff has been performing well, limiting opponents to three runs or less in four consecutive games. Kepler, who recently returned from a head injury, spoke about his home run. Shortstop Carlos Correa remains out with a foot injury. The Twins have a power ranking of 12, ranking 6th in offense, 16th in defense, and have a record of 62-48 this season.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Chicago Cubs' three-game winning streak was ended by the St. Louis Cardinals in a 5-4 loss at home, with fielding miscues allowing the Cardinals to rally and complete a comeback despite a strong performance from starter Jameson Taillon. Hector Neris took the loss in relief, and first baseman Michael Busch hit his 15th home run of the season. Rookie center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong took responsibility for his error in the game. The Cubs offense has been performing well recently. The team currently has a power ranking of 17 and ranks #23 for offense, #10 for defense, and has an overall record of 55-59. Catcher Tomas Nido is out with a knee issue. Chicago has a 1-2 record against the Twins, with Kyle Hendricks having a 4.34 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in three starts against them.

Hendricks struggles continue as Twins look to capitalize in series opener against Cubs

Statistics indicate that Hendricks has been struggling this season, posting an ERA over four and losing two out of three starts against the Twins. His performance at home in 2024 has been subpar, securing only one win in nine starts with an ERA exceeding six. In past matchups, the Twins have demonstrated a strong offensive presence against the Cubs, scoring 29 runs in a three-game series and maintaining a .333 batting average with a .667 slugging percentage. Minnesota's offense holds an advantage over Chicago, ranking in the top 10 in various categories, while the Cubs rank in the bottom half. The Twins have excelled on the road, ranking in the top 10 in slugging percentage away from their home stadium. The Cubs, on the other hand, rank 22nd in slugging percentage, potentially limiting their ability to stage a comeback if they fall behind. Given these trends, it is recommended to wager on the Twins for the victory in the series' opening game.

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