Twins vs. Royals Prediction, Odds, Probable Pitchers, Prop Bets for Thursday, April 2

The bad news is we only have three MLB games to watch and bet on today, but the good news is one of them is an afternoon game, giving us something to tune in to to help us get through the workday.

The Minnesota Twins have gotten off to a rough 1-4 start to the season, including losing two straight games to their divisional rival, the Kansas City Royals. The two teams will wrap up their AL Central series this afternoon.

Let's dive into the odds and my best bets for this game.

Twins vs. Royals Odds, Spread, and Total

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

Run Line

Twins +1.5 (-146)
Royals -1.5 (+122)

Moneyline

Twins +136
Royals -162

Total

OVER 9.5 (+100)
UNDER 9.5 (-122)

Twins vs. Royals Probable Pitchers

Minnesota: Taj Bradley, RHP (0-0, 2.08 ERA)
Kansas City: Cole Ragans, LHP (0-1, 9.00 ERA)

Twins vs. Royals How to Watch

Date: Thursday, April 2
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Kauffman Stadium
How to Watch (TV): Twins.TV Presented by Progressive, Royals.TV
Twins record: 1-4
Royals record: 3-2

Twins vs. Royals Best Prop Bet

Cole Ragans OVER 7.5 Strikeouts (+118)

Cole Ragans may have given up four earned runs in his first start of the season, but his strikeout numbers were still impressive, striking out five batters in 4.0 innings pitched. Last season, he averaged a staggering 14.3 strikeouts per nine innings across 13 innings pitched. As long as he can stay in the game, he has a chance to reach 8+ strikeouts tonight.

Twins vs. Royals Prediction and Pick

I think there's some value on the Twins as underdogs in this spot. Their offensive numbers haven't been as bad as their record indicates. In fact, they have a .669 OPS through their first handful of games, which ranks 17th in Major League Baseball, and only a step below the Royals at .719.

While I do think Ragans is a great strikeout candidate tonight, I don't trust his ability to keep runs off the board. Whereas Taj Bradley impressed in his first start of the season, and if he carries that momentum into this afternoon, he could record his first win of 2026.

I'll take a shot on the Twins as road underdogs in this one.

Pick: Twins +136 via FanDuel

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You can check out all of Iain's bets here!