Thursday, May 1, 1:10 PM on SNLA, FSN

Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Los Angeles Dodgers at - Beckett, J (0-0) vs. Minnesota Twins - Johnson, K (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Dodgers will give the ball to Josh Beckett as they complete the doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins and Kris Johnson. Beckett will be making his 5th start of the season as Johnson makes his 1st.

Josh Beckett is still looking for his first decision of the season despite some quality outings this year.  In his last start, Beckett pitched 8 innings and gave up just 2 runs on 4 hits without a walk and 6 strikeouts.  The two runs came on 2 solo homers but Beckett’s ERA dropped to 2.45.   Last season, Beckett was 0 – 5 with an ERA of 5.19 in 8 starts.

In 2013, Beckett didn’t face the Twins but thanks to his years in the American League, he has faced some of their hitters.  Beckett will likely watch out for Minnesota’s Joe Mauer.  Mauer is 4 for 10 with 2 doubles and an RBI against Beckett.

Kris Johnson will make his 1st start after getting the call from the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate in Rochester.   The recent acquisition from the Pittsburgh Pirates has looked good in the minors and the Twins should get a solid outing from him.  In 2013, Johnson started 1 game and appeared in 3 more with a 0 – 2 record and an ERA of 6.10. 

Johnson didn’t face the Dodgers last season and he has no experience against their lineup.  With his recent call-up, he will need to study the scouting report quickly to get a handle on what he might face from the Dodgers’ hitters.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Betting Trends

Los Angeles Dodgers at are 12-12-2 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Los Angeles Dodgers at is 0.1

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 18-4-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Minnesota Twins is 0.2

Injuries to Watch

Los Angeles Dodgers at

04/28/14 SS Hanley Ramirez Thumb questionable
04/09/14 C A.J. Ellis Knee 15-day DL (4/06)
03/29/14 P Clayton Kershaw Back 15-day DL (3/23)
03/27/14 P Chad Billingsley Elbow 15-day DL (3/19)
03/27/14 P Onelki Garcia Elbow 60-day DL (3/14)
03/27/14 P Scott Elbert Elbow 60-day DL (2/8)

Minnesota Twins

04/28/14 3B Trevor Plouffe Tricep questionable
04/11/14 LF Josh Willingham Wrist 15-day DL (4/7)
04/09/14 RF Oswaldo Arcia Wrist 15-day DL (4/5)
04/07/14 SS Jason Bartlett Ankle 15-day DL (4/7), out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Minnesota

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