It is do or die for the Twins as far as a playoff spot goes, and they have been on a run, winning 6 of 7, a number of those wins lopsided. Their runs for/against is very good lately, and they are best in the league for offense over the last week. Not so the 3-10 White Sox, who have played themselves out out of a playoff spot. They are below .500 at home and are allowing more runs than they score at the moment.
Davis Martin starts for the Sox today. Martin has bounced around from Triple A, and from reliever to starter this year. He started twice in August with mixed results. Based on past performance, a short start is likely. Therein lies the problem. The Sox pen has struggled when asked for multiple innings.
Twins' starter Sonny Gray is 3-1/1.91 ERA over his last 7 games, and is likely still smarting over his last appearance against the Sox, resulting in his worst start of the year. Look for him to bounce back today.
The Twins respond well after a loss, and need to get back in the win column for any hopes of post season. Martin is a bit of an unknown and Gray has been terrific of late. The Twins are also getting fine relief pitching. Take the Twins to win on the road today. 9*!