Matchday: Friday, June 13, 2025
First Pitch: 8:10 PM ET
Venue: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
Broadcast: MLB Network, Bally Sports North, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
Overview: Twins vs. Astros – AL Battle in Houston
The Houston Astros (38-30) host the Minnesota Twins (36-32) in the first game of a three-game series at Daikin Park. Houston enters the matchup leading the AL West, while Minnesota is second in the AL Central, making this a crucial series for both teams as they push toward the postseason.
The Astros have been dominant at home (23-13 record), while the Twins have been solid on the road (16-20 record).
Houston Astros: Home Dominance & Offensive Firepower
The Astros have been one of the most consistent teams in MLB, ranking 10th in batting average (.253) and 15th in slugging percentage (.390). Their lineup features Jeremy Peña, who leads the team with a .322 batting average, and Isaac Paredes, who has 14 home runs and 41 RBIs.
Key Players to Watch:
- Jeremy Peña – .322 AVG, 9 HR, 33 RBI; Astros’ top hitter
- Isaac Paredes – 14 HR, 41 RBI; ranks 15th in MLB in homers
- Jose Altuve – .270 AVG, 9 HR, 18 walks; veteran presence in the lineup
Starting Pitcher:
- Colton Gordon (1-1, 5.11 ERA, 25 K) – Making his sixth start of the season
Injury Report:
- Out: Yordan Alvarez (hand fracture), Hayden Wesneski (elbow), Ronel Blanco (elbow)
Minnesota Twins: Seeking Road Success
The Twins have been competitive but inconsistent, ranking 17th in MLB in total runs scored (289) and 15th in slugging percentage (.390). Their offense has been powered by Byron Buxton, who leads the team with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs, and Trevor Larnach, who has 10 homers and 22 walks.
Key Players to Watch:
- Byron Buxton – 11 HR, 41 RBI; Twins’ biggest offensive threat
- Trevor Larnach – .257 AVG, 10 HR, 22 walks
- Carlos Correa – .251 AVG, 13 doubles, 5 HR
Starting Pitcher:
- Chris Paddack (2-5, 3.53 ERA, 2 BB in last outing) – Looking to bounce back after a tough stretch
Injury Report:
- Out: Max Kepler (hamstring), Royce Lewis (quad), Jhoan Duran (elbow)
Head-to-Head: Astros vs. Twins
- Season Series: First meeting of 2025
- Last Meeting: Astros won 5-4 (September 2024)
- At Daikin Park: Astros are 23-13 at home
Tactical Breakdown & Prediction
Houston will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage, relying on Gordon’s pitching and their power-hitting lineup. Minnesota, meanwhile, must get a strong outing from Paddack and limit defensive mistakes.
Game Odds
Minnesota Twins 8
Houston Astros – 118
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 12, 2025
