Detroit Tigers vs Minnesota Twins Picks and Predictions August 5th 2025

Detroit Tigers vs Minnesota Twins August 5th 2025

The Minnesota Twins are set to play against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The Twins hold a record of 52-60 and are ranked fourth in the AL Central. They have struggled recently, going 3-7 in their last ten games. The Twins will rely on Zebby Matthews, who has a 5.67 ERA, to lead their pitching efforts.

The Detroit Tigers, on the other hand, have a strong record of 66-48 and sit at the top of the AL Central. They have won six of their last ten games. Chris Paddack will take the mound for the Tigers, bringing a 4.77 ERA into the game. Fans can catch the game on MNNT at 6:40 PM, with the weather forecast predicting warm conditions and broken clouds.

Twins vs Tigers Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers
• Venue: Comerica Park in Detroit, MI
• Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
• Betting Odds: Twins Moneyline +137, Tigers Moneyline -161

The Twins Can Win If…

The Minnesota Twins are coming off a 6-3 loss against the Detroit Tigers. Despite the loss, the Twins showcased power with three home runs. Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, and Ryan Jeffers each contributed a home run, highlighting their ability to hit the long ball.

The Twins have been consistent with home runs this season, ranking 11th in the league with 129 homers. They also have a decent on-base percentage of .311, ranking 13th in the league. This combination of power and ability to get on base gives them a strong chance to win any game.

Key players like Matt Wallner and Ryan Jeffers are crucial for the Twins’ success. Wallner leads the team with 15 home runs, while Jeffers has a solid batting average of .254. With Zebby Matthews on the mound, the Twins aim to capitalize on their offensive strengths against the Tigers.

The Tigers Can Win If…

The Detroit Tigers recently secured a 6-3 win against the Minnesota Twins. Casey Mize pitched six innings, giving up three runs but keeping the Twins in check. Kerry Carpenter, Wenceel Pérez, and Dillon Dingler each hit a home run, showing the team’s power at the plate.

The Tigers have a solid slugging percentage of .423, ranking them sixth in the league. They also have 147 home runs this season, placing them seventh. These stats highlight their ability to score runs through power hitting, which can be a key factor in their upcoming game.

Chris Paddack will start on the mound for the Tigers. He has a WHIP of 1.24, which indicates his ability to limit base runners. With the Tigers’ strong lineup and Paddack’s pitching, they are in a good position to win against the Twins.

The Lean

The Tigers are favored on the moneyline at -161, and they have a stronger pitching staff with a 3.79 ERA, ranked 10th. The Twins have a higher ERA at 4.30, ranked 23rd. Given the Tigers’ better pitching and batting stats, the recommendation is to pick the Tigers to win straight up. The model projects the Tigers to win 5-3.

The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs. The Tigers’ pitching limits opponents to a .239 batting average, while the Twins allow a .254 average. With both teams having decent offensive stats but the Tigers’ strong pitching, the recommendation is to take the under 8.5. The model projects a total of 8 runs.

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Chris Paddack will take the bump for the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night, just days after being dealt by the Minnesota Twins. After starting 21 games this season in Minnesota, Paddack (4–9, 4.77 ERA) earned a quality win in his Tigers debut and now faces the very lineup he helped to build. For our top MLB picks, see our MLB picks page.

Paddack’s Mixed Emotions

Paddack admitted he felt a rush of excitement and nostalgia when he saw the schedule and realized he would face his former teammates so soon. “I started doing the math and saw I get to face my former teammates — the bad guys, which is what I’m calling them — in my second start as a Tiger,” he said. His ability to hold the Dodgers and Diamondbacks to one run apiece in late July showed he can still dominate, and Detroit hopes that momentum carries over into Tuesday’s game. For a deeper look at upcoming matchups, visit our MLB previews page.

Why Detroit Pulled the Trigger

With Reese Olson lost for the season to a shoulder injury, the Tigers needed rotation help. Paddack’s flashes of brilliance and veteran experience made him an attractive addition ahead of the trade deadline fire sale. Manager A.J. Hinch praised his competitiveness and noted that Paddack’s arrival has energized a young, hungry clubhouse determined not to repeat last year’s near-miss. For strategies on how to bet on arms like Paddack, see our expert betting guide.

Twins’ Fire Sale and Rotation Shuffle

Minnesota’s decision to become sellers reshaped their roster, moving veterans and prospects alike. Paddack was the marquee departure, but the Twins also flipped Cedric Mullins, Gregory Soto and others as they stockpiled for the future. Detroit’s willingness to buy proven talent underscores a win-now approach. If you’re looking to back proven performers, learn how to buy our picks.

Opponent Spotlight: Zebby Matthews

The Twins counter with right-hander Zebby Matthews (2–3, 5.67 ERA), making his eighth start of the season. After six scoreless innings against Washington on July 25, he struggled with command in his last outing, surrendering five runs in 4 1/3 innings. Matthews will be making his first career start against Detroit, and he’ll need to find the strike zone consistently to contain a lineup that launched three homers in Monday’s opener. Check out our leaderboard of top handicappers to see how experts are evaluating this matchup.

Series So Far and What’s Next

Monday’s series opener featured six home runs—a two-run blast by Kerry Carpenter proved decisive in Detroit’s 6–3 victory. The Tigers aim to build on that offensive display behind Paddack, while the Twins look to even the series before heading home. For up-to-the-minute scores and final outcomes, visit our MLB game results.