The Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves begin a three-game set at Truist Park on Friday night.
Atlanta has struggled so far this season but my Twins vs. Braves predictions are betting on a breakout performance from a proven slugger.
Here are my best free MLB picks for this inter-league clash on April 18.
Twins vs Braves prediction
My Twins vs Braves best bet: Matt Olson Over 1.5 total bases (+125 at bet365)
The starters for both of these teams have been brutal. The Atlanta Braves will have Bryce Elder and his 7.20 ERA on the hill. The Minnesota Twins respond with Chris Paddack who has a 9.49 ERA through three starts and pitched to a 4.99 ERA across 88 1/3 innings in 2024.
Not only have these starters struggled but so have the lineups on both sides. The Braves are 20th in the majors in OPS (.674) and 25th in runs per game (3.39). While the Twins are 26th in OPS (.622) and 24th in runs per game (3.47).
That makes it really tough to handicap a side for this game but there are individual hitters who should be able to find success.
Chief among them is Braves slugger Matt Olson. The two-time All-Star is slashing just .203/.338/.344 this season but the Statcast analytics indicate that he's due for major positive regression.
Olson is in the top fifth percent in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate while sitting in the top 10th percentile in barrel rate. His expected slugging percentage is an impressive .593 and he'll have the platoon advantage against Paddack. Back the hard-hitting first baseman to break out of his slump today.
Twins vs Braves same-game parlay (SGP)
Matt Olson Over 1.5 total bases
Chris Paddack Under 15.5 outs
Byron Buxton 1+ strikeouts
It's hard to have faith in Paddack who is less than two years removed from his second Tommy John surgery. He hasn't pitched deeper than five innings in his last seven starts.
Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has been striking out at one of the highest rates in the majors for years. Buxton has struck out at least once in 11 of his last 12 games and I don't see that changing today. Even if Elder can't mow him down, somebody from Atlanta's bullpen should be able to do the trick.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Twins vs Braves odds
Twins vs Braves live odds
Twins vs Braves opening odds
- Moneyline: Minnesota +115 | Atlanta -135
- Run line: Minnesota +1.5 (-185) | Atlanta -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)
Twins vs Braves trend
These teams have clashed six times since 2023 with Atlanta winning all of those games and going 6-0 on the run line. Find more MLB betting trends for Twins vs. Braves.
How to watch Twins vs Braves and game info
| Location | Truist Park, Atlanta, GA |
| Date | Friday, 4-18-2025 |
| First pitch | 7:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | Apple TV+ |
| Twins starting pitcher | Chris Paddack (0-2, 9.49 ERA) |
| Braves starting pitcher | Bryce Elder (0-1, 7.20 ERA) |
Twins vs Braves latest injuries
Twins vs Braves weather
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