Series Preview: Twins at White Sox

In case you haven't been keeping up on things, the White Sox have the best record in the American League, and they're doing it mostly on the strength of their pitching. They have a team ERA of 2.67, the 3rd lowest in the league (the Cubs hold the lowest ERA, at 2.37).

They're playing a rubber match today, hosting David Ortiz and the Red Sox (a great band name). In White Sox news: on May 3rd they DFA'd starter John Danks, eating a bunch of his salary in the process. In 22.1 innings this year he had given up 18 ER, and also hasn't been good for several years.

Coming in to this series the Twins were thumped by the Astros, losing 16-4 in the last game, dropping their record to 8-20. The only team coming into Thursday with a worse record than us is the Braves at 7-20. The Twins expect to get Ervin Santana back, though, as he'll likely start game 2 on Saturday.

The two teams last met in Minnesota earlier this year, where the White Sox swept the Twins to drop them to 0-9.

Game 1

Friday, May 6th, 7:10 PM CST

Probables: Ricky Nolasco vs Mat Latos

TV: FS-N

Radio: TIBN, Go 96.3

Not much history against Mat Latos, as he comes over from a career entirely in the NL. Hopefully the Twins can learn from when they faced him in the series earlier this year.

Game 2

Saturday, May 7th, 6:10 PM CST

Probables: Ervin Santana vs Chris Sale

TV: FS-N, MLBN

Radio: TIBN, Go 96.3

Brian Dozier has had the most success against Sale, with 3 HR and a .973 OPS in 41 PA. Mauer really struggles with him, though, batting just .216 (8-37) in his career.

Game 3

Sunday, May 8th, 1:10 PM CST

Probables: Tyler Duffey vs Jose Quintana(?)

TV: FS-N

Radio: TIBN, Go 96.3

While Mauer has struggled against Sale, he has dominated Quintana, hitting .344/.382/.531 and 2 homers in 34 PA.

Prediction: I think the Twins will be lucky to escape with a win in this series, with our best chance likely in game 2 with Santana on the mound.

Pitcher vs batter stats found using Baseball-Reference.