MLB Game Preview: Chicago White Sox (71-63) vs. Minnesota Twins (64-71)

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Minnesota Twins logo

Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota

First pitch: 2:10 p.m. ET
TV: Twins.TV / CHSN

The White Sox (first in the AL Central) lead the series 1-0 after a 7-4 win on Friday. Colson Montgomery hit a three-run homer (his 28th of the season), Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs, and the bullpen held firm. Chicago has won three straight and holds a solid division lead. The Twins (third in the AL Central) have dropped three in a row and are fading from wild-card contention.

Starting Pitchers

White Sox: RHP Erick Fedde (6-8, 4.18 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 84 K in 118.1 IP)
Solid mid-rotation arm with a mix of starts and relief appearances this season. Recent bulk outings have been cleaner. Faces a Twins lineup that has shown power but inconsistency.

Twins: RHP Bailey Ober (7-4, 4.49 ERA, 1.25–1.26 WHIP, 74 K in 108.1 IP)
Has posted a winning record despite an elevated ERA. Fly-ball tendencies could be a factor at Target Field. Provides length but has been vulnerable to the long ball at times.

Current Rosters & Key Players

White Sox key contributors: Colson Montgomery (28 HR, key multi-RBI Friday), Miguel Vargas (29 HR), Andrew Benintendi, Chase Meidroth (.273 AVG), Tristan Peters (recent power surge), Munetaka Murakami, and supporting depth. Chicago ranks near the top of the AL in home runs.

Twins key contributors: Josh Bell (.253 AVG, 17 HR, 80 RBI), Brooks Lee (homered Friday), Kody Clemens, Luke Keaschall, Byron Buxton (day-to-day with back), Trevor Larnach, and prospects/young talent filling gaps. Minnesota has shown home-run ability but struggles with consistency.

Injury Reports

White Sox

Joey Bart (C, hand) – 10-day IL

Kyle Teel (C, ankle) – 10-day IL

Chris Murphy (RP, flexor) – 15-day IL

Davis Martin (SP/RP, finger) – 15-day IL

Huascar Brazobán (RP, lat) – 15-day IL

Longer-term (60-day): Drew Thorpe, Jordan Leasure, and several other pitchers

Twins

Austin Martin (OF, hamstring) – 10-day IL

Joe Ryan (SP, glute) – 15-day IL

Byron Buxton (CF, back) – day-to-day

Longer-term (60-day): Pablo López, David Festa, Cole Sands, Mick Abel, Anthony Banda, Mike Paredes, and others

Both clubs are missing rotation and bullpen depth.

Weather Forecast (Target Field)

Cloudy to patchy rain nearby or humid with clouds and sun, high around 74–81°F. Winds ~8 mph SSE. Chance of thunderstorms or light rain possible (especially earlier in the day). Outdoor stadium—monitor for any weather delays.

Recent Team Forms

White Sox: 6-4 last 10, currently on a three-game winning streak. Road record 30-36. Strong power numbers and solid when preventing home runs.

Twins: 4-6 last 10, currently on a three-game losing streak. Home record 35-32. Offense capable of multi-homer games but pitching has been inconsistent.

Series History (2026)

White Sox lead the season series 5-3 (and this series 1-0). The teams meet for the ninth time this year. Remaining game: Sunday at Target Field.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups / Storylines

Fedde vs. Twins power: Bell, Lee (recent homers), Clemens, and Keaschall present threats. Fedde will need to limit hard contact against a lineup that can go deep.

Ober vs. White Sox power: Montgomery, Vargas, Benintendi, and Peters are the primary dangers. Ober’s fly-ball profile could be tested by Chicago’s top-tier home-run attack.

Colson Montgomery’s power surge and Miguel Vargas’s production are central for the White Sox.

Josh Bell and Brooks Lee need to drive the Twins’ offense.

Bullpen usage will be key given both teams’ injury lists.

Betting Trends

Minnesota is a slight home favorite despite the worse overall record and recent skid, largely due to home-field advantage. The total sits relatively high, reflecting both teams’ power potential. Chicago’s recent form and series lead give the underdog appeal.

Game Odds

Chicago White Sox          9

Minnesota Twins             – 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 28, 2026

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