Pick details
| MATCHUP | Minnesota Twins | Washington Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 15-20 | 16-19 |
| Spread | -1.5 144 | +1.5 -175 |
| Moneyline | -105 | -115 |
| Total | Over 9 (-101) | Under 9 (-119) |
| Where | Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia | |
| When | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:45 PM EDT | |
| TV | MLB.TV | |
The Minnesota Twins and the Washington Nationals will meet on Tuesday night in the opening game of a three‑game interleague series at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Minnesota Twins Betting Preview
The Minnesota Twins enter Tuesday’s contest with a 15–20 overall record (5th in the American League Central) and a 5–10 mark on the road. The Twins offense has struggled to this point in the season. Through 35 games played in 2026, the Minnesota Twins have compiled 165 runs, 44 doubles (28th in MLB), 40 home runs, and a .235 batting average which ranks 19th in Major League Baseball.
The Twins arrive at tomorrow’s game in below average form. Minnesota has lost four of the team’s last six games played this season, including a 7–3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays three days ago.
Minnesota will turn to right‑hander Taj Bradley in this contest. In seven starts made this season, Bradley has compiled a 3-1 win‑loss record, a 2.85 ERA (25th in MLB), a 1.22 WHIP and 44 strikeouts (18th in MLB), while allowing 35 hits and 15 walks in 41 innings pitched.
Shifting our focus to the Minnesota offense, the Twins lineup features outfielder Byron Buxton and catcher Ryan Jeffers. Byron Buxton arrives at this contest with a .254 batting average, 10 home runs (8th in MLB), 14 RBIs, 10 walks and an .843 OPS. Ryan Jeffers has tallied a .287 batting average, 4 home runs, 21 RBIs (30th in MLB) and a .904 OPS.
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
The Washington Nationals enter Tuesday’s matchup with a 16–19 overall record (3rd in the National League East) and an abysmal 4–12 mark at home. Washington has played competitive baseball recently, winning five of the team’s last eight games, including a 5–4 victory over the New York Mets earlier this week.
Washington will start right‑hander Cade Cavalli, who has been one of the most promising young arms in the Nationals rotation. In seven starts made this season, Cavalli has compiled a 1–1 record, a 3.82 ERA, a 1.66 WHIP and 38 strikeouts, while allowing 37 hits and 14 walks in 30.2 innings pitched.
The Washington Nationals have compiled a productive lineup this season featuring shortstop CJ Abrams and outfielder James Wood. Abrams will enter this contest with a .297 batting average, 8 home runs (22nd in MLB), 27 RBIs and a .9396 OPS which ranks 13th in Major League Baseball. James Wood has tallied a .231 batting average, 10 home runs (8th in MLB) and an .891 OPS.
Why the Minnesota Twins will win.
• Offensive balance. Ryan Jeffers and Byron Buxton continue to anchor the Twins lineup.
• Quality starting pitching. In seven starts made this season, Taj Bradley has compiled a 3-1 win‑loss record, a 2.85 ERA (25th in MLB), a 1.22 WHIP and 44 strikeouts (18th in MLB) in 41 innings pitched.
Why the Washington Nationals will win.
• Starting pitching stability. Cade Cavalli has compiled a 1-1 record, a 3.82 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP in seven starts made this season.
• Current form. The Washington Nationals have won four of the team’s last six games played in 2026.
• Offensive production. CJ Abrams and James Wood provide a strong core to the Washington Nationals lineup.
Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Nationals Prediction
In my view this matchup favors the Washington Nationals staying within the number (1.5). Washington hurler Cade Cavalli enters tomorrow’s contest with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP in seven starts made this season. Conversely, Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley has allowed 35 hits and 15 walks in 41.1 innings pitched, which is concerning when facing a Washington Nationals team that arrives at tomorrow’s game in good current form. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Washington Nationals plus the 1.5 runs in this game.
