First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 PM ET
Venue: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
TV/Streaming: Rays.TV, Twins.TV / MLB.TV
Series Context: Game 3 of a three-game interleague series (Rays lead 2-0 after 6-2 and 6-1 victories).
Team Records and Recent Form
Minnesota Twins (12-15 overall, 5-9 on the road): The Twins are hovering near the bottom of the AL Central after a rough stretch, losing four straight and eight of their last nine games. Road offense has been anemic (~3.8 runs/game average), with starting pitching inconsistent and the bullpen overtaxed. They enter this finale motivated to avoid a sweep but face significant depth challenges.
Tampa Bay Rays (15-11 overall, 7-4 at home): The Rays sit near the top of the AL East and have won three straight overall (and six straight when out-homing opponents). Home form has been strong with timely power and solid starting outings. They enter with momentum after dominating the first two games of the series.
Probable Pitchers and Player Matchups
Twins Starter: Simeon Woods Richardson (RHP, 0-3, 5.96 ERA, 1.56 WHIP) — Woods Richardson has struggled with command and hard contact early in the season. He’ll need to limit the Rays’ power bats in a tough road spot.
Rays Starter: Jesse Scholtens (RHP, 1-1, 2.93 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) — Scholtens has been efficient with low walk rates and strong ground-ball tendencies, giving Tampa Bay a clear pitching edge.
Key Player Matchups
Rays: Junior Caminero (3B/INF), Jonathan Aranda (1B/INF), and Yandy Díaz — These power/speed threats have feasted on righties like Woods Richardson (multiple homers in recent series games). Expect aggressive early-count approaches and extra-base potential.
Twins: Royce Lewis (3B/INF), Josh Bell (1B), Byron Buxton (OF, if active), and emerging bats like Tristan Gray — Minnesota’s lineup relies on pop from Lewis and contact from Bell, but faces Scholtens’ low-traffic profile. Road platoon edges and recent cold streaks tilt toward the Rays’ defense and pitching.
Lineups expected ~1 hour before first pitch on MLB.com; both teams feature young, athletic cores with Rays leaning on timely power.
Injury Report
Twins: Significant pitching depth issues — Pablo López (60-day IL, elbow surgery — out for season), David Festa (60-day IL, shoulder impingement), Mick Abel (15-day IL, elbow inflammation), Travis Adams (15-day IL, triceps strain), Cody Laweryson (15-day IL, forearm), plus Cory Lewis (7-day IL) and Julian Merryweather (7-day IL). Position players mostly intact but rotation thin.
Rays: Gavin Lux (10-day IL, shoulder), Joe Boyle (15-day IL, elbow), Garrett Cleavinger (15-day IL, calf). Jake Fraley was day-to-day earlier in the series but core lineup largely available. Bullpen depth tested but manageable.
Series History
The 2026 season series has favored the Rays early (3-1 overall entering today, including this weekend’s blowouts). Historical interleague play is relatively even, but Tropicana Field games have trended toward unders in pitching-dominated matchups. This series has produced high Rays scoring (12 runs in first two games) with totals splitting over/under.
Weather Updates
Tropicana Field is a fully enclosed domed stadium — controlled indoor conditions (no precipitation, wind, or temperature impact). Gametime will be consistent and comfortable (~72-78°F inside) with zero effect on fly balls, base-running, or play. No weather-related delays possible.
Betting Trends
Rays 7-4 at home and strong ATS as favorites; Twins 5-9 on the road and 1-8 SU in recent similar spots. Series games have leaned over due to Rays power, but Scholtens’ low ERA supports unders in pitching matchups. Rays have covered in 4 of last 5 home games; totals hit over in 6 of Rays’ last 10 overall.
Game Odds
Minnesota Twins 8.5
Tampa Bay Rays – 144
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 25, 2026
