The Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers face off in a decisive matchup on Sunday Night Baseball after each team claimed a victory in the first two games of the series. The Twins, currently sitting at 40-43, will start Chris Paddack (3-6, 4.64 ERA) while the Tigers present their ace, Tarik Skubal (9-2, 2.29 ERA). The game, held at Comerica Park, will begin at 7:10 p.m. ET.

Betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook show the Tigers at -311, making them heavy favorites, while the Twins sit as +244 underdogs. The over/under for total runs is set at 7. Historical performance suggests Minnesota has had success against Detroit, winning five of the last nine meetings. New bettors may find enticing opportunities in the odds, particularly with the model suggesting the Twins have a money line probability exceeding 30%, offering potential value.

The Minnesota Twins are in serious trouble, having lost 11 of their last 12 games and struggling with the worst earned-run average (ERA) in the league for June at 6.73. In response, pitching coach Pete Maki held a meeting with the pitchers to address pressing issues, including the loss of ace Pablo López to injury and a significant drop in the team's strikeout-to-walk ratio. The current problem is compounded by free bases and uncharacteristic walks, which have increased sharply since May. The Twins are looking for ways to regain their early-season form.

In the meeting, Maki emphasized the need for the pitchers to return to their goals set during spring training. Starters Chris Paddack and Bailey Ober both highlighted the importance of supporting each other through this tough stretch. They hope that coming together can help turn the tide for the struggling staff, as the team prepares for upcoming games against the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners.

This week's spotlight shines on Chris Paddack, who has transformed his game to post an impressive 2.17 ERA and 0.95 WHIP despite early season struggles.

After modifying his four-seam fastball and breaking balls, Paddack has effectively minimized home runs and soft contact against left-handed hitters. His new gyro slider has added a significant swing-and-miss component, making him more effective in key situations. Meanwhile, Ryan Yarbrough has also found success with the New York Yankees, leveraging a revamped pitch mix that emphasizes his cutter and changeup, leading to a remarkable 2.08 ERA.

Max Meyer, however, shows a troubling decline in performance following an impressive start, struggling with slider commands and currently listed on the IL, while Brandon Pfaadt needs to adapt his pitch strategy against left-handers to regain his earlier form. As we dive into these pitching changes, these scenarios highlight the critical nature of adapting pitch strategies in the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball.

This week’s overview of American League free agents focuses on evaluating key players and determining optimal bidding strategies from your fantasy budget. Among the prominent names, Jonathan Cannon has impressed with three consecutive quality starts for the White Sox, showcasing a 3.20 ERA. Meanwhile, Patrick Corbin is rebounding from past struggles with a solid 3.13 ERA as a Ranger, helping elevate his fantasy appeal. Ryan Gusto of the Astros is back in the rotation and presents a streaming option with a 3.79 ERA. Dean Kremer has finally found his footing with the Orioles, cementing his role with two strong outings.

Furthermore, Chris Paddack has shown flashes of his early career form, accumulating a 2.51 ERA in recent outings. Not to be overlooked is Yariel Rodriguez, who is positioning himself for a setup role with the Blue Jays amidst shaky performances from the current bullpen. Other potential adds include Travis d'Arnaud and Freddy Fermin, both stepping up with increased playing time due to injuries on their respective teams.

The Minnesota Twins faced another bleak chapter in their 2025 season, suffering a 4-0 defeat against the Detroit Tigers, which dropped their record to 4-11 and tied their worst start in franchise history. This latest loss saw the Twins muster only four hits, further emphasizing their struggle at the plate, particularly glaring given they have not scored in the third inning throughout the season. Their batting average now sits at a dismal .202.

Despite the lack of offensive support, pitcher Chris Paddack showed promise by limiting the Tigers to just two hits, although they both led to runs. Kody Funderburk, making his season debut, surrendered a two-run homer to Spencer Torkelson. Interestingly, the Twins' bullpen managed to retire 10 consecutive batters, showcasing their potential, but it was overshadowed by the ongoing batting woes, as the lineup continues to fail in critical situations.