The Minnesota Twins host the Atlanta Braves on August 18, 2026. First pitch from Target Field is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. EDT. The game will be broadcast on MNNT.
The Braves are favored by -125 on the moneyline and by -1.5 on the run line. The Twins are +111 on the moneyline and +1.5 on the run line. The total is set at 8.5 runs.
Find my MLB picks and Braves vs Twins prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, weather report, and more.
Braves vs Twins Prediction
- Braves vs Twins Pick: Ronald Acuna Over 0.5 Home Runs
My Braves vs Twins best bet is a HR Pick on Ronald Acuna. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Braves vs Twins Odds
| Braves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -158 | 8.5 -121o / +101u | -125 |
| Twins Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 +132 | 8.5 -121o / +101u | +111 |
- Braves vs Twins moneyline: Braves -125, Twins +111
- Braves vs Twins over/under: 8.5 (-121o / +101u)
- Braves vs Twins spread: Braves -1.5 (+132), Twins +1.5 (-158)
Braves vs Twins Probable Pitchers
| RHP Tyler Mahle (ATL) | Stat | RHP Zebby Matthews (MIN) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-9 | W-L | 6-8 |
| 1.3 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.2 |
| 4.64 / 3.93 | ERA / xERA | 5.34 / 4.69 |
| 4.10 / 3.90 | FIP / xFIP | 5.05 / 4.21 |
| 14.7% | K-BB% | 12.1% |
| 42.1% | GB% | 42.9% |
| .303 | BABIP | .290 |
| 88 | Stuff+ | 95 |
| 109 | Location+ | 99 |
Braves vs Twins MLB Betting Preview
Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
This one sets up well for Atlanta, especially with Tyler Mahle pitching at an excellent level since joining the Braves. He has allowed just one run over 12 innings across his first two starts with Atlanta, striking out 16 in the process.
Mahle has also been outstanding over his last three appearances overall, posting a 0.75 ERA with 16 strikeouts and just two walks. That kind of recent form gives the Braves a major advantage on the mound.
Minnesota Twins Betting Preview
The Twins, meanwhile, are 61-65 and 33-31 at home. Zebby Matthews has struggled to find consistency, carrying a 6.00 ERA over his last three appearances despite recording 18 strikeouts.
There is one interesting matchup to watch, though. Byron Buxton is hitting .444 with a double and a home run in nine career at-bats against Mahle. Still, with the right-hander pitching this well and Atlanta coming in with a better overall record.
Braves vs Twins Pick, Betting Analysis
This is a fantastic spot, and Acuna isn't priced like it at all.
Zebby Matthews has been a gas can for righty power this season, allowing a massive 1.85 HR/9.
The weather should be a slight plus for hitting, with wind blowing out at 5 mph.
Acuna has been having an off year, but he's due for some heavy positive regression.
I have the true odds here around +350, making this a great bet.
Pick: Ronald Acuna o0.5 Home Runs
