Pennant races across baseball are heating up everywhere…almost everywhere, that is. One of the few inconsequential series taking place this week is set to take place in Minneapolis. The Twins have their eyes on next season after a trade deadline sell-off. Their opponents, the White Sox, have shown signs of life in 2025. Still, this is a last-place squad looking to earn an upset. Which of these two AL Central rivals will notch a win tonight? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Thursdays showdown between the White Sox and the Twins.
The Twins are favorites (-157) over the White Sox, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
White Sox vs. Twins prediction, preview
This isn’t exactly a marquee pitching matchup. Still, the Twins are sending out Taj Bradley, a high-ceiling, low-floor option. The right-hander has been inconsistent throughout his brief MLB career, most of which spent in Tampa Bay. Despite possessing swing-and-miss stuff, the 24-year-old has had major issues with his control (3.6 BB/9). Unsurprisingly, that’s led to some lackluster numbers, such as a 4.82 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. During Bradley’s last time out, he tossed five innings of one-run ball vs. the Padres. In his prior appearance, he coughed up seven runs against none other than the White Sox.
As bad as Bradley looked vs. Chicago, I’m expecting a much better performance tonight. For starters, this contest will take place at Target Field. The White Sox are averaging baseball’s third-fewest runs per game on the road (3.94). In addition, it was the youngster’s first start with Minnesota. Two weeks later, and more settled in, Bradley should be more focused on the mound. The South Siders will also be without two of their best hitters this time, Miguel Vargas (hand) and Luis Robert (hamstring).
Even if Bradley is shaky on the mound, bettors shouldn’t count out Minnesota. The team will get to face a relatively unproven starter tonight in Fraser Ellard. The 27-year-old has just 33.1 career innings to his name (4.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP). That’s not a big enough sample size to make any judgement about his skills as a big league pitcher. However, it is worth mentioning that his opponents have done well in this spot recently. Over their last 20 games, the Twins own baseball’s ninth-highest OPS vs. left-handed pitching (.790). It helps that Minnesota’s best player, Byron Buxton, has absolutely crushed southpaws this season (1.081 OPS).
White Sox vs. Twins pick, best bet
Best Bet: Twins -1.5 (+134)
Finding a good angle in this matchup between two cellar-dwellers is difficult. Regardless, I have more faith in Bradley’s talent than I do Ellard, even if Chicago has had success vs. the former. In addition, Minnesota (and Buxton) have been solid against left-handers. Keeping that in mind, I’ll back the Twins to cover at plus money.
