MLB Game Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers (51-29) vs. Minnesota Twins (38-43)

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Minnesota Twins logo

MINNEAPOLIS – The Los Angeles Dodgers continue their Midwest road trip Wednesday night when they face the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, with Shohei Ohtani set to start for Los Angeles against Joe Ryan for Minnesota. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. CT.

The Dodgers enter at 51–29, one of the best records in baseball, while the Twins sit at 38–43 and are trying to regain footing in the AL Central after a difficult June stretch.

Venue

Target Field — Minneapolis, Minnesota

First pitch: 7:40 p.m. CT

Surface: Natural grass

Dimensions: 339–403–328

Weather

  • Temperature: 76°F
  • Wind: 10 mph blowing out to left-center
  • Humidity: 57%
  • Chance of rain: 5%

Conditions slightly favor hitters, especially right‑handed pull power.

Probable Pitchers

Los Angeles: RHP Shohei Ohtani

Ohtani has been dominant in June, featuring upper‑90s velocity, a sweeping slider, and one of MLB’s highest strikeout rates. He has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts and has been particularly sharp on the road. His ability to neutralize right‑handed power will be key against Minnesota’s lineup.

Minnesota: RHP Joe Ryan

Ryan continues to be Minnesota’s most consistent starter, leaning on a high‑spin fastball and splitter. He has been excellent at home, posting strong WHIP numbers and limiting walks. However, he has struggled at times with home runs, a concern against a Dodgers lineup loaded with power.

Injury Report

Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Mookie Betts — OUT (hand)
  • Freddie Freeman — ACTIVE
  • Will Smith — ACTIVE
  • Max Muncy — OUT (oblique)
  • Walker Buehler — OUT (elbow)

Minnesota Twins

  • Carlos Correa — ACTIVE
  • Royce Lewis — ACTIVE
  • Byron Buxton — OUT (knee)
  • Alex Kirilloff — OUT (shoulder)
  • Chris Paddack — OUT (forearm)

Team Records & Recent Form

Los Angeles Dodgers (51–29)

  • Last 10: 7–3
  • Trend: Rotation dominating; offense steady despite injuries
  • Strength: Elite pitching, top‑tier lineup depth
  • Weakness: Bottom‑third bullpen performance in June

Minnesota Twins (38–43)

  • Last 10: 4–6
  • Trend: Offense inconsistent; pitching keeping games close
  • Strength: Strong top‑of‑order production
  • Weakness: Bullpen volatility, lack of power without Buxton

Key Player Matchups

Freddie Freeman (LAD) vs Joe Ryan (MIN)

Freeman’s ability to handle high fastballs makes him a difficult matchup for Ryan, whose four‑seamer is his primary weapon.

Royce Lewis (MIN) vs Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

Lewis has been Minnesota’s most dangerous hitter when healthy. Ohtani’s splitter will be the deciding pitch in this matchup.

Will Smith (LAD) vs Twins Bullpen

Smith’s ability to hit late‑inning velocity gives Los Angeles a major advantage if the game is close.

Series History

  • Season series: First meeting of 2026
  • At Target Field: Dodgers have won 6 of last 8
  • Recent trend: Los Angeles has outscored Minnesota 34–18 across their last seven matchups

Betting Trends

Los Angeles Dodgers

  • 8–2 in last 10 road games
  • Under has hit in 6 of last 9
  • 6–1 in Ohtani’s last seven starts

Minnesota Twins

  • 3–7 in last 10 home games
  • Under has hit in 5 of last 7
  • 2–5 in Ryan’s last seven starts vs teams above .500

Game Odds

Los Angeles Dodgers      – 170

Minnesota Twins             8

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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