MLB Game Preview: Minnesota Twins (48-51) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-42)

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Los Angeles Dodgers logo

Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
First Pitch: 9:10 PM ET
Watch Live: Twins.TV, SportsNet LA, MLB.TV

Both teams are looking to rebound after weekend series losses — Minnesota dropped two of three to the Rockies, while the Dodgers were swept by the Brewers for the second time in two weeks.

Despite their recent struggles, the Dodgers remain atop the NL West, while the Twins continue to battle in the AL Central. This is the first meeting of the season between the two clubs, and it features a marquee pitching matchup with Shohei Ohtani taking the mound for L.A..

Starting Pitchers – July 21, 2025

TeamPitcherRecordERAWHIPK/BB
DodgersShohei Ohtani (RHP)0–01.001.0010/2
TwinsDavid Festa (RHP)3–35.251.4247/18
  • Shohei Ohtani makes his sixth start of the season after returning from elbow surgery. He’s pitched nine innings with 10 strikeouts across five appearances and is expected to go 2–3 innings as an opener.
  • David Festa, making his 10th start, has struggled on the road with a 6.63 ERA and reverse splits against right-handed hitters. He allowed 2 ER over 5.1 IP in his last outing vs. the Cubs.

Players to Watch

Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Shohei Ohtani: .275 AVG, 34 HR, 65 RBI; ranks top 5 in MLB in home runs
  • Will Smith: .323 AVG, 12 HR, 16 doubles; 1.019 OPS in July, averaging 1.9 total bases per game
  • Mookie Betts: .260 AVG, 18 HR; looking to break out of a 3-for-25 slump over his last six games
  • Freddie Freeman: Day-to-day with a wrist contusion after being hit by a pitch Sunday

Minnesota Twins

  • Byron Buxton: .289 AVG, 22 HR, 57 RBI; team leader in power and run production
  • Ryan Jeffers: 14-for-35 with 4 doubles and 5 RBI over last 10 games; possible paternity leave pending
  • Carlos Correa: .337 AVG over last 24 games; raised season average to .267
  • Royce Lewis: Hit 2 HR Sunday; batting .299 since June 1

Team Comparison – Key Stats

CategoryTwinsDodgers
Batting Avg.264 (last 10 games).201 (last 10 games)
Slugging %.420.443 (3rd in NL)
Home Runs122134
Team ERA3.94 (last 10 games)4.24 (last 10 games)
Last 10 Games5–52–8
Home Record33–20
Road Record20–31

The Dodgers have struggled offensively in July, scoring just 4.2 runs per game and losing six straight at home. The Twins, meanwhile, have shown flashes of power and consistency, especially from Buxton and Lewis.

Game Odds

Minnesota Twins             9

Los Angeles Dodgers      – 210

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Sunday, July 20, 2025

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MLB Editor
Profile: A dedicated Major League Baseball analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s strategic, statistical, and developmental layers. This columnist delivers in‑depth coverage that blends advanced metrics, scouting insight, and historical context to illuminate the trends shaping today’s game. Background: With extensive experience following MLB at both the team and league levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, player evaluation, and organizational philosophy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to breaking down performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and pitching‑matchup analysis Advanced statistical breakdowns and sabermetric insights Prospect evaluation, farm‑system trends, and player development Trade‑deadline movement, free‑agency analysis, and front‑office strategy Historical context and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex data and tactical nuance into insights that resonate with both traditional fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.