Oakland Athletics at Minnesota Twins 5/15/21 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Oakland Athletics play the second game of a three-game series on the road Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. Oakland is 23-16 following an 8-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. Oakland had a two-game winning streak snapped in the loss, but the A’s remained in first place in the American League West by 1 ½ games over the Houston Astros. Oakland has won four of its last six.

Jed Lowrie is batting .269 to lead Oakland and the second baseman has team highs in RBIs with 23 and hits with 35. First baseman Matt Olson is the leader in home runs with eight, while left fielder Mark Canha is the leader in on-base percentage at .369. On Saturday, Oakland will send Cole Irvin to the mound. The lefthander is 3-4 with an ERA of 3.29, 37 Ks and 6 BBs.

Minnesota continues to struggle as the Twins are 12-23, which is baseball's worst record, following a 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Minnesota was swept in a three-game series by Chicago and the Twins have lost four straight and seven of the last eight. Minnesota is last in the American League Central 10 games behind first-place Chicago.

Nelson Cruz is batting .295 to lead Minnesota and the designated hitter has team highs in home runs with nine, RBIs with 22 and hits with 36. Second baseman Luis Arraez is the leader in on-base percentage at .376. Minnesota has hit 47 home runs in its first 35 games. On Saturday, Minnesota will send Jose Berrios to the mound. The right-hander is 3-2 with an ERA of 3.49, 43 Ks and 13 BBs.