Cubs vs. Twins prediction and odds for Saturday, May 13 (Back Chicago as underdogs)

The "rebuilding" Chicago Cubs continue to stay ahead of course, back to .500 in a crowded NL Central and winners of the first of three against the AL Central leading Twins on Friday night.

The Cubs have a stiff test on Saturday against Twins star pitcher Joe Ryan, who is building a strong AL Cy Young case. Can Hayden Wesneski and the formidable Cubs lineup lead them to an upset win on the road?

Here are the odds for Saturday's matchup:

Cubs vs. Twins odds, run line and total

Cubs vs. Twins prediction and pick

With a total below 8, this is being predicted as a low scoring matchup, which gives me more confidence in the underdog Cubs. While Minnesota has the pitching advantage with Ryan on the mound, the Twins offense is the worst in baseball from a batting average perspective, hitting just .218 and won't be able to outpace an elite Cubs lineup.

Chicago hits .270 as a group this season, third best in the big leagues, and a capable arm on the mound in Hayden Wesneski, who has an ERA below 4.00 this season. He has avoided trouble this season by allowing soft contact and limiting his walks. While he is only striking out six batters per nine innings he only walks about two. Against a hapless Twins lineup, the Cubs won't need much to get over the hump.

Ryan has been stellar this season, he has a mid-2.00 ERA and doesn't allow many walks, but I can't trust the Twins lineup to justify this price tag. Not to mention, the Cubs check in inside the top 10 in bullpen ERA while the Twins are closer to league average. I'll take Chicago as big underdogs to stun the Twins for a second straight game.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.