Twins vs Pirates Expert Picks, Predictions & Betting Splits on May 29

• The Minnesota Twins are in Pittsburgh Friday to open a 3-game set against the Pirates
• Taj Bradley starts for Minnesota, while Jared Jones gets the call for Pittsburgh
• Read below for the my Twins vs Pirates prediction, picks updated odds and betting splits

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After dropping three of four to the Chicago White Sox, the Minnesota Twins hope to turn things around when they open a set in Pittsburgh against the Pirates.

Pittsburgh may be last in the NL Central, but they have a winning record (29-28), and a better record than the Twins (27-30), who sit third in the AL Central

That’s part of the reason the books like the home team as the betting favorite in the MLB odds.

First pitch goes at 6:45pm ET from PNC Park in Pittsburgh, with Apple TV providing the broadcast coverage.

Twins vs Pirates Prediction

• Best Bet: Pirates ML (-140 at bet365)

Even though the matchup of MLB probable pitchers tilts towards the Twins, I like the Pirates to come away with a series-opening victory.

Taj Bradley has been a force for the Twins this season, compiling a stellar 5-1 record to go along with a 2.77 ERA. The right-hander has showcased elite swing-and-miss stuff, generating a blistering 10.21 strikeouts per nine innings.

Advanced metrics heavily support Bradley’s surface-level success. His 3.26 FIP indicates his run-prevention numbers are sustainable, while a stifling .216 opponent batting average shows how difficult he is to square up.

On the other side, Jared Jones is slated to take the mound for the Pirates, his first since 2024 as he’s been working his way back from an elbow injury. He’s part of a Pirates pitching staff boasts a reliable 3.82 collective ERA. This suggests the home club should be well-equipped to keep this game competitive from the first pitch to the final out.

When you stack these two rosters up, the most glaring mismatch sits squarely on the offensive side of the diamond. The Pirates have been incredibly productive at PNC Park this season.

Averaging a robust 5.33 runs and 9.37 hits per home contest, their lineup consistently manufactures offense. Supported by an impressive .274 batting average in their home ballpark, the Pirates possess a distinct advantage in getting on base.

Conversely, the Twins have struggled to find consistency on the road. Away from Target Field, the Twins are plating just 4.36 runs per game and hitting a meager .226 as a team. Their .681 road OPS indicates a severe lack of extended rallies and run-producing opportunities.

The Pirates offer better top-to-bottom value to win this game outright. The Pirates hold a noticeable offensive advantage, boasting a .723 team OPS and a .251 batting average. This easily outpaces the .699 OPS and .234 average posted by the Twins.

Look for the Pirates and their deeper offense to secure the victory at PNC Park.

MIN Twins vs PIT Pirates Expert Picks

O/U Pick: Under 8.0 Runs (-110 at Caesars)
Predicting the Under is the most logical read for this interleague clash. Bradley has been exceptional, logging a 1.173 WHIP across 52.0 innings. Conversely, the Pirates pitching staff is incredibly tough to hit, holding opponents to a measly .227 batting average. Both teams possess the arms to turn this into a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair..

Taj Bradley Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-140 at FanDuel)
Bradley has been a strikeout machine this season, generating an elite 10.21 K/9 rate. Backing him to eclipse the 5.5 strikeout mark is a strong play based on his consistent ability to miss bats.

Byron Buxton Over 1.5 Total Bases (+111 at DraftKings)
Buxton has been the most dangerous hitter for the Twins by a wide margin. He is slugging an impressive .575 with an .898 OPS and 17 home runs. Even in a tough matchup against the Pirates pitching staff, Buxton’s extra-base power makes this plus-money prop a highly attractive wager.

Twins vs Pirates Odds & Betting Splits

The graphic above shows the best available odds, which are subject to change. Be sure to use the BetMGM promo code to bet on Twins vs Pirates or any other MLB game.

The Pirates enter this interleague matchup as clear home favorites on the moneyline at a -134 price tag at FanDuel. Bettors confident in a decisive home victory can back the Pirates on the runline at -1.5 for an appealing +162 return as well.

Minnesota is getting +120 odds to win outright at bet365, while getting 1.5 runs on the runline offers less appealing odds of -178, from Caesars.

The total is varies, depending where you shop. Over bettors will want to go to bet365, where the line is set at 8.0 runs, while Under bettors will appreciate FanDuel, who have added a half run to 8.5.

The Pirates appear to be the more popular choice in the MLB public betting splits. The public likes Pittsburgh to the 1.5 runs, with 64% of the money and 57% of the bets on the Pirates.

Same goes for the moneyline, where a Pirates win is getting 70% of the bets and 58% of the money.

There is no doubt where the public lies when considering the total: 95% of the bets and 94% of the money are on these teams crossing eight runs.