Los Angeles Angels vs Minnesota Twins Picks and Predictions September 8th 2025

Twins vs Angels Picks and Predictions — September 8, 2025

Two struggling clubs meet Monday night when the Minnesota Twins visit the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Both teams were near the Wild Card race around the trade deadline but have collapsed down the stretch, slipping well out of contention.

$9 Entry to Elite-Level Picks

Built by pros. Powered by AI.

Join Today!

Minnesota (63-80) gutted its roster at the deadline and has gone just 12-23 since. Los Angeles (67-76) hasn’t fared much better, losing 14 of its past 22 since sweeping the Dodgers in mid-August. With both sides playing spoiler at this stage, this series opener is more about pride than postseason hopes. For a look at how both clubs have trended, check the updated MLB game results.

Opening odds: Angels -124 (moneyline), Twins +106, Total 9.5 runs.

Want expert MLB insights delivered daily? Get the latest betting guide here →

Twins Can Win If…

Minnesota sends Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.53 ERA) to the mound. He beat the Angels earlier this season, allowing just one run in seven strikeouts over six strong innings.

Byron Buxton, who hit his 30th homer Sunday before exiting with a bruised knee, is key. He became just the second Twin to record a 30-HR/20-SB season, joining Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett. Kody Clemens also offers power after a 451-foot blast in Kansas City.

“I think he’s going to be OK … He’s having a pretty amazing season right now,” manager Rocco Baldelli said about Buxton’s status.

If Buxton plays and the pitching holds, Minnesota can steal Game 1.

Angels Can Win If…

Los Angeles gives the ball to rookie right-hander Caden Dana (0-0, 4.91 ERA), making his fifth career start. He impressed in his last outing by allowing just two hits in five innings.

Offensively, Jo Adell and Taylor Ward headline a power-heavy lineup that ranks top five in MLB in home runs (198). The Angels will also need to shake off Sunday’s chaos, when they set a franchise record with five batters hit by pitches before Travis d’Arnaud’s go-ahead RBI double saved a 4-3 win.

“It’s motivating because they hit five of our guys today … I was motivated to get the job done,” d’Arnaud said.

If Dana provides stability and the bats keep producing, the Angels can protect their home field.

Key MLB Betting Trends

The Lean

Model Projection: Angels 5, Twins 4
Pick: Angels Moneyline (-124)
Total Lean: Under 9.5

Both teams rank near the bottom of MLB in pitching, but with two inexperienced starters, offense may not explode as expected. The Angels’ home run advantage and slightly steadier lineup make them the lean here. Stick with the home side and a lower-scoring finish. For more analysis, keep up with our MLB Moneyline Picks hub.

September baseball means betting edges are critical. Explore more expert picks here →