MLB Preview: Rays vs Twins in Minneapolis (July 4, 2025)

Friday, July 4th, 2025

Get ready for MLB action as the Tampa Bay Rays face off against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

Game Details

The Minnesota Twins (41-46, second in the AL Central) host the Tampa Bay Rays (48-39, third in the AL East) on Friday, July 4, 2025, to open a three-game series.

The game is scheduled for 3:10 PM EDT in Minneapolis.

Pitching Matchup

Tampa Bay is set to start Zack Littell (7-7) with a 3.61 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 71 strikeouts.

Minnesota will counter with Chris Paddack (3-7), who holds a 4.70 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts.

Odds

Twins -116, Rays -103; over/under is 9 1/2 runs.

Team Analysis

The Twins hold a 22-17 record at home and are 41-46 overall. They have struggled in close games, posting an 8-15 record in contests decided by one run.

Tampa Bay comes into the series with a solid 20-14 record on the road and an overall record of 48-39. The Rays' offense has been effective, with a collective .323 on-base percentage, ranking fifth in the AL.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams this season.

Top Performers

For the Twins, Byron Buxton has been a key contributor with 32 extra base hits, including 19 home runs. Carlos Correa has been hot over the last 10 games, batting .342 with two home runs and seven RBI.

Brandon Lowe leads the Rays with 11 doubles, 19 home runs, and 50 RBI. Junior Caminero has also performed well recently, hitting .238 with three doubles and four home runs in his last 10 games.

Recent Performance

In their last 10 games, the Twins are 4-6, with a .192 batting average and a 3.98 ERA, being outscored by eight runs.

The Rays have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games. They have a .282 batting average but a higher ERA at 5.26, being outscored by seven runs.

Injuries

Minnesota's injured list includes Bailey Ober (hip), Pablo Lopez (shoulder), Zebby Matthews (shoulder), and Luke Keaschall (forearm).

Tampa Bay is dealing with several injuries, including Manuel Rodriguez (forearm), Jonny Deluca (shoulder), Hunter Bigge (lat), Shane McClanahan (tricep), Richie Palacios (knee), Alex Faedo (shoulder), and Nathan Lavender (elbow).

In summary

The Tampa Bay Rays (48-39) visit the Minnesota Twins (41-46) for a series opener on July 4, 2025. The Rays, third in the AL East, have a strong road record (20-14) and feature top performers like Brandon Lowe. The Twins, second in the AL Central, have a winning home record (22-17) and are led by Byron Buxton and recent hot hitter Carlos Correa. Tampa Bay's Zack Littell will face Minnesota's Chris Paddack on the mound. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. The over/under for the game is set at 9 1/2 runs with the Twins slightly favored (-116).

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