Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions May 24th 2025

Royals’ Michael Wacha Faces Off Against Clutch-Hitting Ty France and the Twins

Michael Wacha will aim to cool down one of the hottest hitters in baseball, Ty France, as the Kansas City Royals take on the Minnesota Twins in the second game of their three-game set. The matchup follows a thrilling series opener where France delivered a walk-off, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to secure a 3-1 victory for the Twins.

Ty France Sparks Twins’ Surge

Ty France has quickly become a centerpiece in the Twins’ offensive resurgence. His late-game heroics have helped fuel Minnesota’s impressive stretch of 15 wins in their last 17 games. Once sitting at 13-20, the Twins now boast a 28-22 record, riding a powerful wave of momentum heading into the weekend.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised France’s mental game and situational awareness, suggesting that it’s his high baseball IQ that allows him to shine under pressure. France’s ability to deliver in the clutch has made him a consistent threat in high-leverage moments, and the Royals are well aware of the challenge he poses.

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Wacha Brings Stability and Leadership to Royals Rotation

Michael Wacha enters the game with a 3-4 record and a stellar 2.86 ERA, underlining his reliability for Kansas City. The veteran right-hander has walked only 16 batters while striking out 43 over 56 2/3 innings. His most recent outing against the St. Louis Cardinals saw him limit the opposition to one run over five innings with six strikeouts and no walks.

Wacha has consistently dominated the Twins throughout his career, holding a 5-1 record with a 3.09 ERA across eight appearances. With 44 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings against Minnesota, his familiarity with their lineup could prove pivotal.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro emphasized Wacha’s value beyond the mound, calling him one of the team’s most dependable leaders. His influence in the clubhouse sets a standard for younger players, many of whom have begun to emulate his professionalism and commitment to excellence.

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Zebby Matthews Looks to Bounce Back

The Twins will counter with right-hander Zebby Matthews, who is making just his second start of the season. His debut against the Brewers was rocky, as he allowed four runs on five hits in just three innings. Matthews carries a 1-5 career record with a 7.08 ERA, numbers that raise questions about his readiness for a high-pressure matchup against the Royals.

Matthews has faced Kansas City twice before, earning a 1-1 record with a 5.40 ERA. While not dominant, his past outings suggest he might be capable of keeping the Twins competitive if he can avoid early trouble.

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Carlos Correa’s Timely Return

Adding to the Twins’ optimism is the return of shortstop Carlos Correa. After missing a week due to concussion-like symptoms, Correa homered in his first game back, showcasing both his power and readiness. Manager Rocco Baldelli was pleased with Correa’s overall performance, emphasizing his contributions on both offense and defense.

The boost from Correa could prove crucial in a tight series as the Twins continue their climb in the standings. His leadership and postseason experience add another layer to a lineup that’s already clicking on all cylinders.

Conclusion

With Michael Wacha anchoring the Royals and Ty France delivering in key moments for the Twins, Saturday’s game promises to be another tightly contested affair. Both teams are trending in different directions, making this a critical test for Kansas City’s ability to bounce back and for Minnesota’s chance to further cement their momentum.

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