The Chicago Cubs are hosting the Minnesota Twins for a three game series this weekend at Wrigley Field. The Cubs were able to come from behind to win the series opener, 10-6, in a high scoring affair. Minnesota will try to bounce back with a win in the second game of the series.
Both the Cubs and Twins were playoff teams in 2017, but it doesn’t seem like the Twins will be headed back to the playoffs this season. Minnesota comes into this series in third place in the American League Central, trailing the Cleveland Indians by 8.5 games. The Cubs are still sitting in second place in the National League Central, but are just 2.5 games in back of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Chicago Cubs are -148 over the Twins in game two of the series.
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Twins Offense Coming Up Short
The Twins were considered to be a playoff contender again this season, but things haven’t gone well for them offensively. Several key players for the Twins are having down seasons, and Minnesota has struggled to score runs all season. Brian Dozier and Miguel Sano are hitting .219 and .203 respectively, which are both well below their career numbers. Minnesota needs these two players ro improve if they are going to make a run at the playoffs.
The Twins are calling up, Adalberto Mejia, to make the start against the Cubs on Saturday afternoon. Mejia has yet to pitch for the Twins this season, but was a decent starter for them in 2017. The young right hander made 21 starts for the Twins last season and had a solid ERA of 4.50 in those starts. Mejia faces a very tough Cubs lineup in game two of the series.
Cubs Need Chatwood To Improve
Theo Epstein made starting pitching his top priority this offseason, and Tyler Chatwood was one of the pitchers he brought in. So far, the signing of Tyler Chatwood has blown up in the Cubs faces, although he has shown signs of improvement. The former Rockies starter has struggled to find the strike zone all season long, and will be returning after missing some time due to the birth of his child. The Cubs must have an improved Chatwood if they are going to win the NL Central again.
The Cubs offense appears to be hitting its stride, especially in the power department. Chicago pounded out 12 hits and four home runs in the series-opening win. Javier Baez continues to lead the Cubs in home runs with 16, and appears to be headed to the All-Star game next month. If the Cubs start to get consistent offense, they will again become the favorite to win the division.
Chatwood, Cubs Win Again
The Minnesota Twins looked to be in great shape to win the series opener, but the Cubs were able to storm back and win the game. The Twins are hoping that young Adalberto Mejia will be able to slow down the Cubs offense on Saturday. Chicago is still trying to track down the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, but are playing much better of late. The Cubs are hoping that Chatwood can give them a solid outing, and it appears he will. Bet the Chicago Cubs -148 over the Twins on Saturday afternoon.
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