Plus Money Picks — 2026-05-23

San Diego Padres over Athletics at +110 remains the right side here, especially if the game turns into a bullpen-and-defense test after the fifth.

San Diego Padres fits the away-team script this pick needs, with a better chance to manufacture offense without relying on one swing. Over the last five games, San Diego Padres is averaging 2.8 runs scored and 2.4 allowed, a profile that supports this road-side angle.

Athletics has enough talent to make this uncomfortable, though the recommendation still trusts San Diego Padres to hold the cleaner structure once bullpen matchups begin. In that same recent window, Athletics is at 5.2 scored and 4.4 allowed per game, which explains why this is not a blind fade but a leverage-based read.

Minnesota Twins over Boston Red Sox at +108 remains the right side here, especially if the game turns into a bullpen-and-defense test after the fifth.

From the visitor side, Minnesota Twins has the more reliable route: longer at-bats, fewer empty innings, and enough contact quality to keep pressure on from the first turn through the order. Over the last five games, Minnesota Twins is averaging 4.6 runs scored and 2.8 allowed, a profile that supports this road-side angle. The listed starters are Taj Bradley for Minnesota Twins and Jovani Morán for Boston Red Sox, which defines the early run environment.

Boston Red Sox is live at home and can absolutely counter if they steal high-leverage outs late, but this position assumes they won’t consistently win those margin plate appearances. In that same recent window, Boston Red Sox is at 4.4 scored and 3.4 allowed per game, which explains why this is not a blind fade but a leverage-based read. Recent roster movement for Minnesota Twins includes Jake Higginbotham (signed as free agent), a small but relevant usage signal.