Los Angeles Dodgers vs Minnesota Twins Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Monday June 22 2026
Use Code WWWC Los Angeles visits Minnesota with updated picks, pitching analysis, and top MLB player props for Monday night.
Best Available Odds
Best Moneyline Odds: Los Angeles Dodgers (-154 at FanDuel) | Minnesota Twins (+129 at FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+105 at FanDuel) | Minnesota Twins +1.5 (-125 at FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: Over 9.5 (-100 at FanDuel) | Under 9.5 (-115 at FanDuel)
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Game Info
Date: June 22, 2026
Time: 7:40 PM EDT
Location: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
TV: SportsNet LA, Twins.TV
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Minnesota Twins Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter Monday at 49-29 and remain comfortably ahead in the NL West. Los Angeles begins a nine-game road trip after losing consecutive games to Baltimore, including a 12-1 defeat in Sunday's series finale.
The two-game skid is Los Angeles' first since early May. The Dodgers remain 23-15 away from home and have responded well to losses throughout the season, avoiding the extended stretches of poor play that can erase a division lead.
Los Angeles has scored 405 runs, an average of approximately 5.19 per game. The Dodgers are batting .259 with a .343 on-base percentage and .435 slugging percentage while hitting 105 home runs.
The lineup has been especially productive on the road. Los Angeles leads MLB in road on-base percentage and OPS, giving the Dodgers several ways to create offense even when the home-run swing is not immediately available.
Shohei Ohtani returned to the lineup Saturday after briefly leaving the club for the birth of his second child. His combination of patience, speed, and elite power immediately strengthens an order that struggled to create consistent offense during the final two games against Baltimore.
Kyle Tucker, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Andy Pages, Tommy Edman, Mookie Betts, Alex Freeland, and Ryan Ward give Los Angeles significant depth around Ohtani. The Dodgers can stack several dangerous left-handed hitters against Minnesota right-hander Zebby Matthews.
Muncy has been one of the National League's most productive third basemen, providing patience and left-handed power in the middle of the order. Pages has added contact and run production, while Freeman and Tucker make it difficult for opposing pitchers to work around Ohtani.
The Dodgers remain without catcher Will Smith because of a neck injury and outfielder Teoscar Hernández because of a hamstring strain. Hernández is scheduled to begin a rehabilitation assignment, but neither hitter will be available Monday.
The pitching staff has also been hit by injuries. Blake Treinen recently joined Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Edwin Díaz, Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart, and several other arms on the injured list.
Los Angeles still owns a 3.46 team ERA and 1.10 WHIP. The depth is not as overwhelming as it appeared early in the season, but the available staff has generally prevented one poor starting performance from becoming a prolonged problem.
The Minnesota Twins enter at 38-41 after winning six of their last seven games. Minnesota took two of three in Arizona and completed the series with a 4-2 comeback victory Sunday.
The Twins scored three times during the seventh inning, with Alex Jackson driving home Ryan Kreidler and Josh Bell before a Corbin Carroll error extended the play. Minnesota's bullpen then protected the advantage.
Minnesota has scored 388 runs, approximately 4.91 per game. The Twins are batting .247 with a .323 on-base percentage and .412 slugging percentage while hitting 97 home runs.
Byron Buxton remains the most dangerous individual hitter in the lineup. He enters batting approximately .275 with 24 home runs and a slugging percentage above .600.
Buxton has hit seven home runs during his last 14 games. His combination of pull power, speed, and success against left-handed pitching creates a difficult assignment for Lauer from the opening plate appearance.
Josh Bell has also supplied important production. The switch-hitting first baseman has reached base consistently and provides Minnesota with a middle-of-the-order threat capable of attacking Lauer from the right side.
Trevor Larnach, Kody Clemens, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Victor Caratini, Royce Lewis, and Austin Martin give Minnesota several additional hitters capable of producing power or extending innings.
The Twins remain without catcher Ryan Jeffers, who is recovering from surgery for a fractured hamate bone. His absence removes a hitter who carried a .408 on-base percentage and .541 slugging percentage before the injury.
Minnesota's pitching depth is also depleted. Bailey Ober, Mick Abel, Pablo López, David Festa, Cole Sands, and Garrett Acton are among the unavailable pitchers.
The Twins carry a 4.79 team ERA and 1.39 WHIP. Their bullpen has struggled throughout June, increasing the importance of Matthews providing enough length to prevent the relief staff from facing the middle of the Dodgers order several times.
Starting Pitchers and Pitching Matchup
The Dodgers will start left-hander Eric Lauer, who enters at 2-5 with a 5.37 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts across 58.2 innings.
Those full-season numbers include eight appearances with Toronto. Lauer struggled to a 6.69 ERA across 36.1 innings before the Blue Jays removed him from their roster.
His results have improved since joining Los Angeles. Lauer has posted a 3.22 ERA across four Dodgers starts, allowing eight earned runs on 18 hits and five walks over 22.1 innings.
The Dodgers have won all four of those games. Los Angeles defeated Colorado 15-6, Arizona 6-5, Pittsburgh 12-3, and Tampa Bay 4-3 with Lauer on the mound.
Lauer has completed at least 5.2 innings in three of the four appearances. That length has helped Los Angeles avoid placing excessive pressure on its injured bullpen.
The underlying profile remains less impressive than the Dodgers record. Lauer has allowed five home runs in four starts and carries an expected ERA above four during his time with Los Angeles.
He does not generate many strikeouts, recording only 14 in 22.1 Dodgers innings. His success depends on limiting walks, changing speeds, and preventing elevated contact from becoming home runs.
Right-handed hitters have created the greatest problem. Lauer has generated a low strikeout rate against righties while allowing frequent airborne contact, a concerning profile against a Minnesota lineup expected to use several right-handed bats.
The Twins have already faced Lauer this season. Minnesota scored seven runs across 5.1 innings against him on April 11, when he was pitching for Toronto.
Lauer allowed five hits, five walks, and two home runs in that game. He recorded only three strikeouts and repeatedly worked with runners on base.
Several current Minnesota hitters also carry strong career results against him. Buxton is 4-for-10 with two home runs, while Bell is 6-for-19 with a home run.
Brooks Lee, Larnach, Keaschall, and Martin have also produced damage in smaller samples. Batter-versus-pitcher numbers should not determine the pick by themselves, but the collective history reinforces the concerns created by Lauer's fly-ball profile.
The Twins counter with right-hander Zebby Matthews, who enters at 3-4 with a 4.78 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 34 strikeouts across 43.1 innings.
Matthews has allowed 42 hits, nine walks, and nine home runs through seven starts. His low walk rate has helped him avoid additional damage, but opponents have consistently created dangerous contact when he works inside the strike zone.
The right-hander has delivered several strong performances. He opened his season with seven scoreless innings against Miami and later held Houston and Kansas City to two runs apiece.
His results have also been volatile. Matthews allowed seven runs and three home runs across 4.1 innings against Pittsburgh before surrendering seven more runs and three homers over six innings in Detroit.
Matthews responded in his latest start by completing seven innings against Texas. He allowed two runs on eight hits, issued no walks, and struck out four in Minnesota's 12-2 victory.
Across his last three outings, Matthews has allowed 11 earned runs and 22 hits over 20 innings. The entire line was damaged by the seven-run performance in Detroit, illustrating how quickly the profile changes when his fly balls remain in the park.
His expected ERA is lower than his actual 4.78 mark, and his 1.18 WHIP is respectable. Matthews is not simply an ineffective starter, but his low strikeout rate and elevated barrel percentage create an especially dangerous matchup against Los Angeles.
The Dodgers rank first in batting average, on-base percentage, OPS, and hard-hit rate on the road against right-handed pitching. Ohtani, Freeman, Tucker, Muncy, and Freeland all receive the platoon advantage.
Matthews must consistently locate on the edges because he does not possess the strikeout rate needed to erase repeated mistakes. The Dodgers are capable of extending innings through walks and contact before their power bats create separation.
Game Thesis: Both offenses match up well with the opposing starter. Minnesota has already scored seven runs against Lauer this season and possesses several right-handed hitters capable of punishing his fly-ball tendencies. Los Angeles counters with MLB's strongest road offense against right-handed pitching and faces a starter who has allowed nine home runs in seven appearances. The Dodgers own the deeper lineup and stronger overall staff, but Minnesota should contribute enough offense to make the total more attractive than laying a heavy moneyline price.
Moneyline Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers (-154)
The Dodgers are the preferred moneyline side because they own the stronger lineup, superior pitching staff, and better collection of late-game options.
Los Angeles has won all four of Lauer's starts since acquiring him. That record reflects the offense and bullpen as much as the starter, but the Dodgers have repeatedly found ways to outscore opponents when Lauer provides five competitive innings.
The matchup against Matthews is favourable. Los Angeles can use Ohtani, Freeman, Tucker, Muncy, and Freeland from the left side while surrounding them with Betts, Pages, Edman, and other right-handed options.
Matthews has limited walks, but the Dodgers do not require free passes to create offense. They lead baseball in road batting average, on-base percentage, OPS, and hard-hit rate against right-handed pitchers.
Minnesota's bullpen is another concern. The Twins have received inconsistent relief pitching and remain without Sands and several other depth arms.
The Dodgers are not a risk-free favourite. Lauer has already struggled badly against Minnesota, and the Twins enter with six wins in seven games.
The -154 price accurately reflects a competitive matchup rather than an automatic Los Angeles victory. The Dodgers remain the more likely winner, but the Over offers a stronger combination of probability and price.
Spread Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+105)
Los Angeles -1.5 is the preferred run-line side for bettors seeking plus money. The Dodgers possess enough offensive depth to create separation against Matthews and Minnesota's bullpen.
Matthews has allowed at least seven runs in two of seven starts. His home-run vulnerability gives Los Angeles a path to creating a large inning without requiring a long sequence of singles and walks.
The Dodgers also have several hitters capable of changing the score immediately. Ohtani, Freeman, Tucker, Muncy, Pages, and Betts make it difficult for Minnesota to find a safe portion of the batting order.
Los Angeles has covered the road run line regularly over its last 50 away games. The Dodgers have also performed well after losses, making another flat offensive effort less likely following Sunday's 12-1 defeat.
The risk comes from Lauer. Minnesota has the power to stay within one run or win outright if Buxton, Bell, Lee, Larnach, or Keaschall again produces damage against the left-hander.
The run line is therefore less dependable than the moneyline or total. It remains playable at plus money because a 7-5, 8-5, or 7-4 Dodgers victory fits the most likely high-scoring scripts.
⭐ Best Bet - Total Pick: Over 9.5 (-100)
The Over 9.5 is the strongest game wager. Los Angeles and Minnesota combine to average more than 10 runs per game, and both starting pitchers present meaningful home-run concerns.
The Dodgers enter with the stronger offensive matchup. Matthews has allowed nine home runs in 43.1 innings and ranks near the bottom of the league in barrel percentage allowed.
Los Angeles leads MLB in road OPS and on-base percentage. The Dodgers also feature several elite left-handed hitters against a right-handed starter who has not consistently missed bats.
Minnesota can contribute against Lauer. The Twins scored seven runs against him in April and have several right-handed hitters with strong individual histories in the matchup.
Lauer has allowed 16 home runs across 58.2 innings. Five of those have come during his four starts with Los Angeles, meaning the improved ERA has not eliminated the most dangerous weakness in his profile.
Both bullpens add further support. Minnesota's relief staff has ranked near the bottom of the league in fielding-independent pitching during June, while the Dodgers bullpen has also struggled to prevent home runs.
The Twins have finished Over the total in 47 of their first 74 graded games. Their combination of strong offense and weak pitching has produced one of baseball's clearest season-long Over profiles.
Warm temperatures in the high 70s should provide reasonable hitting conditions. The wind is expected to blow slightly inward, but not strongly enough to remove the home-run potential created by the pitching matchups.
A result around 7-5, 6-5, 8-4, or 7-4 would clear the listed number. Both teams have realistic paths to five runs, making the even-money Over the best value on the board.
Top Player Prop Picks
Max Muncy Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBIs (-122) Muncy receives the platoon advantage against Matthews and should hit in the middle of a Los Angeles lineup projected to score more than five runs.
The combined market gives Muncy several paths to clear the number. One home run immediately produces at least one hit, one run, and one RBI.
He can also cash through a single followed by a run, an RBI with a sacrifice fly or productive out, or two separate appearances that generate offensive production.
Matthews has struggled with barrels and home runs, particularly against lineups capable of consistently lifting the baseball. Muncy's patient power profile is well suited to punish pitches left in the middle of the strike zone.
Ohtani, Freeman, and Tucker should create traffic ahead of Muncy, while Pages and the lower order provide opportunities for him to score after reaching base.
Los Angeles may also force Matthews from the game before the late innings, giving Muncy additional plate appearances against a Minnesota bullpen that has struggled throughout June.
Byron Buxton Over 0.5 Hits (-250 at BetMGM) Buxton enters batting approximately .275 with 24 home runs and seven long balls over his last 14 games.
He has also produced excellent career results against Lauer, going 4-for-10 with two home runs. Buxton has repeatedly elevated the left-hander's pitches and converted those opportunities into major damage.
The matchup fits his current approach. Lauer generates few strikeouts against right-handed hitters and allows a high percentage of fly balls, giving Buxton opportunities to drive the ball rather than merely placing it in play.
Buxton should bat first or near the top of Minnesota's order. That position gives him a strong chance to receive at least four plate appearances against Lauer and the Dodgers bullpen.
The price is expensive and offers limited upside. Buxton's current power, contact results, lineup position, and history against Lauer nevertheless make at least one hit the preferred side.
Shohei Ohtani to Hit a Home Run (+220 at BetMGM) Ohtani returns to a favourable matchup against a right-handed pitcher who allows frequent fly balls and barrels.
Matthews has surrendered nine home runs through seven starts and has allowed more than two home runs per nine innings over the last month.
Ohtani should bat leadoff, maximizing his expected number of plate appearances. He can receive three opportunities against Matthews before facing a vulnerable Minnesota bullpen later in the game.
The Dodgers also surround him with enough offense to discourage Minnesota from simply pitching around him. Freeman, Tucker, Muncy, Pages, and Betts can punish unnecessary walks or overly cautious sequencing.
Ohtani is projected as one of the strongest home-run candidates on Monday's slate. His ability to drive fastballs and mistakes from right-handed pitchers makes the +220 price attractive in a game expected to produce significant scoring.
The prop carries considerably more variance than the Buxton hit market. The price provides the required upside for backing the best power hitter in the stronger side of the evening's most favourable offensive matchup.
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