MLB Game Preview: Chicago White Sox (72-63) vs. Minnesota Twins (64-72)

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Minnesota Twins logo

First pitch: 2:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
TV: Twins.TV / CHSN

This is the series finale of a three-game AL Central set at Target Field. The White Sox lead the series 2-0 after wins of 7-4 on Friday and 3-2 on Saturday and are seeking a sweep while extending a four-game winning streak. Chicago sits alone in first place in the AL Central, while Minnesota is third (8.5 games back) and has dropped four straight.

Starting Pitchers

White Sox: RHP Jordan Hicks (2-1, 3.83 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 49 K in 40.0 IP)
Primarily used out of the bullpen this season (one start), Hicks features high-velocity stuff and a solid strikeout rate. He has been effective in shorter outings and gives Chicago a versatile arm for the finale.

Twins: RHP Zebby Matthews (8-8, 4.86 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 88 K in 103.2 IP)
Matthews has taken a regular turn in the rotation and has posted better results of late (strong August outings). He works deep enough into games and will look to stabilize Minnesota’s recent struggles.

Weather Forecast (Target Field)

Partly cloudy with temperatures around 80–84°F at first pitch. Light winds (approximately 7–8 mph from the east/southeast) and a very low chance of precipitation (under 5–10%). Conditions should be favorable for outdoor baseball with limited weather impact.

Injury Reports

White Sox

Joey Bart (C): 10-day IL (hand)

Kyle Teel (C): 10-day IL (ankle)

Chris Murphy (RP): 15-day IL (flexor)

Longer-term 60-day IL: Drew Thorpe, Jordan Leasure, Prelander Berroa, and others

Key available players: Miguel Vargas (power and RBI production), Chase Meidroth, Andrew Benintendi, and supporting hitters.

Twins

Austin Martin (OF): 10-day IL (hamstring)

Joe Ryan (SP): 15-day IL (glute)

Byron Buxton (CF): day-to-day (back)

Longer-term 60-day IL: Pablo López, David Festa, Cole Sands, and others

Key available contributors: Luke Keaschall, Josh Bell, Brooks Lee, and Kaelen Culpepper. Buxton’s status remains uncertain.

Key Player Matchups & Notes

Miguel Vargas & Andrew Benintendi vs. Matthews: Vargas has been a consistent power source for Chicago; Benintendi has produced recently.

Luke Keaschall, Josh Bell & Brooks Lee vs. Hicks: Keaschall leads Minnesota in average; Bell provides RBI production; Lee offers extra-base ability.

Hicks’ high-velocity approach could generate strikeouts but also walks. Matthews will need to limit the White Sox’s home-run potential (Chicago ranks among the league leaders in HR).

Target Field’s dimensions and current conditions favor a balanced offensive environment.

Recent Team Forms

White Sox: 7-3 in their last 10 games with a four-game winning streak. They have played solid baseball overall while holding first place in the division. Road record is 31-36.

Twins: 3-7 in their last 10 and on a four-game losing streak. Home record is roughly even (35-33), but recent form has been poor.

Series History

Chicago leads the 2026 season series 6-3. The White Sox have taken the first two games of the current set and look to complete the sweep.

Betting Trends

Minnesota is a slight home favorite despite poorer recent form, largely due to the home-field edge and Matthews’ more traditional starter role.

Game Odds

Chicago White Sox          8.5

Minnesota Twins             – 106

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 29, 2026

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