Dylan Cease, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Chicago White Sox (+150) as they match up against the Minnesota Twins (-180) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday. The early total has been set at 7.5.The White Sox (66-66) took Friday’s series opener 4-3, their fifth head-to-head victory in 11 games this season. Reliever Liam Hendriks was credited with the win after throwing one scoreless inning. Yasmani Grandal went 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Nick Gordon was 1 for 4 with a double and three RBIs for the Twins (67-63).
ON THE MOUND
Tyler Mahle (6-7, 4.17 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Minnesota. The RHP threw 2.1 no-hit innings in his last start, a 4-0 home win over the Royals on August 17. He struck out one and walking one in the no-decision. Right-hander Cease (12-6, 2.27 ERA) will toe the rubber for Chicago. He has made one prior start against the Twins this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over seven innings in an 11-0 road win on July 17. He gave up one hit and walked two, while striking out eight in the win. In his last start on Sunday, Cease took a no-decision at home against the Diamondbacks. He threw eight innings and gave up two runs on two hits, striking out eight and walking one in the 3-2 loss. The righty ranks second in the AL in strikeouts (190), third in ERA, and tied for fourth in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Minnesota has averaged 6.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.4, while slashing better across the board (.270/.357/.454). Against righties like Cease this season, the Twins have a .739 OPS. Luis Arraez is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .862 OPS in 348 at-bats. Chicago is averaging 4.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Sox have a .684 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With ann .829 OPS over 406 at-bats, Jose Abreu has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Minnesota is on a six-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 27-34 in 2022. The Twins have scored 4.7 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.5 runs. Chicago has won three in a row in front of their home fans. The Sox are 33-35 at home this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 5.2. In the last 10 games at Guaranteed Rate Field between the AL Central rivals, Chicago is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 5.7-5.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Twins are second in the AL Central, one games behind the division-leading Guardians. The White Sox are third in the AL Central, three games behind the Guardians. They are sixth in the Wild Card race, six games out of a postseason position.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago White Sox (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
