Nearly 62% of the public money is backing the over after last night's weather-delayed 5-4 thriller.
Game Overview
The Red Sox look to bounce back after a bizarre, rain-delayed 5-4 loss to the Twins last night where closer Jordan Hicks blew a ninth-inning lead following a 90-minute weather delay. Boston has gone 15-7 in July despite last night's setback and holds the second AL Wild Card spot. Minnesota, meanwhile, appears to be selling at the deadline after trading starter Chris Paddack to Detroit, but showed fight in Monday's comeback win. The Twins have actually covered in six of their last ten games despite sitting four games below .500 overall.
Key Matchups & Analysis
- Giolito vs. Twins Bullpen Game
Boston's Lucas Giolito (6-2, 3.97 ERA) takes the mound looking to rebound from a rough outing against Philadelphia where he allowed 5 runs in 4 innings. Minnesota counters with a bullpen game after trading scheduled starter Chris Paddack, with prospect Pierson Ohl making his MLB debut. - Red Sox Bullpen Situation
Boston's bullpen is thin tonight with Aroldis Chapman (back spasms) unavailable and Garrett Whitlock still recovering from motion sickness during the team's turbulent flight to Minnesota. Jordan Hicks threw 25 pitches in Sunday's game and 17 more in last night's loss. - Roman Anthony's Emerging Leadoff Role
Boston rookie Roman Anthony has solidified himself as the team's leadoff man, reaching base four times (2 hits, 2 walks) Monday including the go-ahead RBI single in the ninth. His .385 OBP provides the Red Sox with the table-setter they've needed. - Target Field Factor
Target Field plays essentially neutral for both runs (1.001) and home runs (1.003), but weather conditions (70% humidity, light winds) could keep balls carrying tonight. Both teams combined for just one homer Monday despite multiple hard-hit balls.