Minnesota Twins vs Baltimore Orioles Picks and Predictions May 6th 2025

Royce Lewis Returns as Twins Face Orioles

The Minnesota Twins are getting a much-needed boost as they return to Target Field this week. The return of Royce Lewis, one of their most exciting young players, is perfectly timed for a key home series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

After a mixed road trip and a shuffled roster, the Twins are looking to gain momentum in the AL Central. Meanwhile, Baltimore hopes to turn around a disappointing road record. Let’s break down everything from pitching matchups to breakout hitters in this cross-divisional clash.

Lewis Rejoins the Lineup After Injury

It’s been a long wait, but Royce Lewis is finally back.

The Twins activated the 24-year-old from the injured list on Monday, and he’s expected to make his season debut Tuesday night against the Orioles. He’s been out since spring training due to a left hamstring injury, a frustrating blow to both player and team considering how explosive he’s been in the past.

Over parts of three seasons, Lewis has played 152 MLB games with a .268 batting average, 33 home runs, and 104 RBIs. That’s serious production from a player still in the early stages of his career.

Now healthy, he’s re-entering the fold at a moment when Minnesota is trying to string together wins.

Want to track Lewis’ real-time stats and career arc? Visit the MLB Team Page for updates and advanced metrics.

Twins Roster Shuffle: Getting Healthier and Hungrier

Lewis isn’t the only player rejoining the roster. The Twins also activated Willi Castro, who had been dealing with an oblique strain. Before the injury, Castro hit .227 with one homer, five RBIs, and a stolen base in 18 games.

To make room for both players, infielders Edouard Julien and Mickey Gasper were optioned to Triple-A St. Paul. It’s a sign that the Twins are prioritizing a healthy, experienced lineup for this homestand.

Baldelli Sees Progress

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli is optimistic following a 2-1 series win over the Red Sox on the road.

“Our starters gave us great opportunities to win all week long,” Baldelli said. “I think there is a lot of good that is going to come out of this trip.”

Even though the trip started slow with a tough series in Cleveland, Minnesota’s ability to bounce back against Boston could mark a turning point.

For insights into game strategies and expert analysis, check the Expert Betting Guide.

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Orioles Look to Improve Road Record

Baltimore rolls into Minneapolis coming off a .500 homestand (3-3), but they’ve got a rough road record so far — just 5-11 away from Camden Yards. The back-to-back losses to the Kansas City Royals last weekend certainly didn’t help their momentum.

Jackson Holliday’s Emergence

The good news? Jackson Holliday, the No. 1 overall pick from a few years ago, is starting to show why scouts have raved about him. He’s batting .273 with four home runs, 11 RBIs, and two stolen bases across 28 games.

Most recently, Holliday popped two home runs in a single game against Kansas City.

He’s got a quiet confidence about him: “Not trying to move the ball forward, but just trying to put good swings on it,” Holliday explained. “Feeling smooth and free to deliver a good swing.”

That’s a scary mindset for a 21-year-old with elite potential.

Check his player profile and projected season stats over on the MLB Picks Page.

Pitching Matchup: Cade Povich vs Pablo Lopez

This series opener features a lefty-vs-righty duel that could go either way — depending on which version of these pitchers we get.

Cade Povich (BAL)

• Record: 1-2
• ERA: 5.16
• Last Start: No-decision vs. Yankees (3 ER in 4.2 IP)
• Career vs Twins: 1-0, 0.00 ERA in 5.2 scoreless innings

Povich has some history with Minnesota — and it’s all good. His one start last year was a gem: just two hits allowed, one walk, and two strikeouts in nearly six shutout innings. But this season’s inconsistency is a concern.

Pablo Lopez (MIN)

• Record: 2-2
• ERA: 2.25
• Last Start: 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 K vs Cleveland
• Career vs Orioles: 2-1, 1.59 ERA in 22.2 innings

Lopez has been quietly dominant this year. He doesn’t walk hitters, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio is elite. In four career starts against Baltimore, he’s struck out 28 batters and held their lineup to minimal damage.

Need betting data or odds for Lopez’s next start? Head to the MLB Odds Page.

What to Watch in This Series

This isn’t just another early May matchup. Both teams have plenty on the line — from proving roster depth to shifting momentum.

Minnesota’s Keys

• See how Lewis adjusts in his first game back
• Ride Lopez’s hot hand to a win in the opener
• Keep the bats productive against Baltimore’s shaky starters

Baltimore’s Priorities

• Holliday must stay hot at the plate
• Povich needs a quality start to silence a dangerous Twins lineup
• Improve the team’s terrible road performance

This game has postseason implications, especially for Baltimore trying to stay relevant in a competitive AL East.

FAQs

Why is Royce Lewis a big deal for the Twins?
Lewis is a dynamic hitter and defender who adds versatility and power. His return gives Minnesota a spark at the right time.

Who’s pitching in the Twins vs Orioles opener?
Minnesota will start Pablo Lopez, while Baltimore counters with Cade Povich — both of whom have strong histories in this matchup.

How has Jackson Holliday performed this year?
He’s batting .273 with four home runs and 11 RBIs. He recently had a breakout game with two home runs.

What’s the Twins’ record at home this year?
They’ve played solid baseball at Target Field and are looking to build on a series win in Boston.

Can the Orioles improve their road record?
It’s their biggest challenge right now. At 5-11 away from home, they need more consistent pitching and timely hitting to change that.

Where can I track expert picks and player trends?
Visit the MLB Team Page and Picks Page for daily updates.