Twins vs Rays Live: Start Time, Streaming Links, Pitching Matchups & Latest Odds for Tonight’s MLB Showdown

A Memorial Day clash between the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays is set to ignite search engines as two American League contenders open a three-game series tonight at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa (first pitch 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN+). The matchup features right-hander Chris Paddack (2-4, 3.98 ERA) against former Twin Zack Littell (3-5, 4.25 ERA) in what projects as a tightly priced contest: Rays –124 favorites, Twins +104 underdogs, with an over/under holding steady at 9.5 runs. Twins riding hot arms and timely power Minnesota (29-23) sits 4.5 games behind Detroit in the AL Central, but the club has won seven of its last ten behind a 2.70 team ERA over that span. Ryan Jeffers (.353 over the last week) and Trevor Larnach (seven HR, 23 RBI) headline an offense that is 21-4 when collecting eight or more hits. Manager Rocco Baldelli will again lean on the long ball—Minnesota ranks third in the AL in isolated power on the road—and on Paddack’s resurgent change-up that has limited opponents to a .212 average his last three starts. Rays seeking sixth straight win at home Tampa Bay (26-26) has erased an early-season slump with a 7-3 run that includes a sparkling 2.97 staff ERA and a +21 run differential. Brandon Lowe’s 10 homers and Curtis Mead’s recent 1.471 OPS surge give Kevin Cash’s lineup plenty of punch against right-handed pitching. The Rays are 18-9 when they register at least eight hits, and Littell will try to hand the bullpen a lead after lasting at least six frames in five of his past seven outings. Key injuries to monitor • Twins: Byron Buxton (concussion IL) remains out, while Luke Keaschall (forearm) and Danny Coulombe (forearm) headline a thinning pitching depth chart. • Rays: Travis Jankowski and Jake Mangum (groin strains) limit outfield flexibility, and ace Shane McClanahan (triceps) is still on a 60-day stint. What the odds say Early money leans Tampa, but the total has stayed under in four of the past five head-to-head meetings in Florida. Bettors should monitor wind patterns—tonight’s forecast calls for 87 °F temperatures and light right-to-left breezes, typically favorable for pitchers in this park. How to watch and stream • National TV: ESPN+ and Bally Sports Sun • Streaming: ESPN app, MLB.TV (out-of-market) • Radio: WDAE 620 AM (Rays), TIBN 102.9 FM (Twins) Stat trends that could decide the opener 1. Minnesota’s bullpen owns a 2.31 ERA in May, second-best in MLB. 2. Tampa Bay relievers have converted 11 of their last 12 save chances. 3. The Twins’ lineup strikes out at a 22.8 % clip, but Rays pitchers fan opponents at just 22.5 %, 19th in the league—advantage Minnesota. Prediction Expect a tight, low-scoring duel early. If Paddack spots his fastball, the Twins’ superior bullpen depth could swing the balance in the late innings. Minnesota 4, Tampa Bay 3. SEO quick hits: Twins vs Rays live stream, Twins vs Rays prediction, Minnesota Twins Tampa Bay Rays odds, Chris Paddack vs Zack Littell pitching matchup, Memorial Day MLB schedule, how to watch Twins Rays.