Chicago @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 22, 2018 ) Minnesota 3, Chi. White Sox 7

Willians Astudillo proved earlier this summer his bat was major-league ready, but his production since his most recent promotion on Aug. 24 could lead to a very substantial role with the Minnesota Twins next season. The 26-year-old Venezuelan catcher attempts to continue his red-hot ways at the plate on Friday, when the Twins host the Chicago White Sox for a day-night doubleheader.

Astudillo batted .263 during a three-week stint with Minnesota that began with his major-league debut on June 30, posting a pair of two-hit efforts over his first seven games before being optioned to Triple-A Rochester on July 22. He returned about a month later and has been the team's best offensive player in September, lifting his batting average for the month to .397 after going 2-for-4 while driving in a career-high four runs in Thursday's 9-3 rout of Detroit. The Twins hold an 8-7 edge in the season series against the White Sox (62-96), who need one win this weekend to avoid recording the fourth 100-loss season in club history. Chicago has dropped seven of its last 10 and fell for the fourth time in five contests with Wednesday's 10-2 setback against Cleveland.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (7-9, 3.94 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (11-11, 3.93)

Lopez is unbeaten since July 27 and the White Sox have won six of his last seven starts, including Friday's contest against the crosstown Cubs in which he allowed one run and five hits while registering eight strikeouts over seven innings. The 24-year-old Dominican has been particularly dominant over his last five outings, going 3-0 with a 0.79 ERA while fanning 36 in 34 frames. Ehire Adrianza (2-for-4, home run) is one of the few Twins to enjoy success versus Lopez, who is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in three turns against Minnesota this season.

Berrios' rocky second half continued in a no-decision at Oakland on Friday as he was tagged for five runs on four hits and three walks despite striking out eight in 5 2/3 innings. Despite posting a 2-4 record and 4.50 ERA since the All-Star break, the former first-round draft pick is seven strikeouts away from reaching 200 for the first time in his three-year major-league career. Berrios has flourished versus the White Sox this season, going 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA in four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astudillo has struck out only once in 58 at-bats this month and three times in 87 major-league plate appearances overall this season.

2. Chicago 2B Yoan Moncada needs two doubles to become the first member of the White Sox aged 23 or younger to record at least 30 doubles, 15 homers, 60 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in a single season.

3. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer has reached base safely in 10 straight and 12 of his last 13 games.

PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Twins 1