Chicago @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 28, 2018 ) Chi. White Sox 1, Minnesota 2

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: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (10-12, 5.81 ERA) vs. Twins RH Chase De Jong (0-1, 3.86)

After going 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA in six starts last month, Giolito has since reverted back to his earlier form, going 0-3 with a 6.86 ERA over four outings in September - including Saturday's loss to the crosstown Cubs in which he surrendered five runs over 6 2/3 innings. The former 16th overall draft pick has struggled with his command all season, issuing an American League-high 86 walks. Max Kepler (4-for-9) has fared well versus Giolito, who is 2-1 with a 3.28 ERA in four starts against Minnesota this year.

De Jong hasn't thrown more than 73 pitches in three turns since being acquired from Seattle at the trade deadline. The 24-year-old permitted two runs and five hits in a season-high 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision at Oakland on Saturday. De Jong worked four scoreless frames in his team debut on Sept. 9 - his only outing at home thus far - and will make his fourth start of the season after going 7-8 with a 3.66 ERA in two minor-league stops earlier this season.

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: Twins 6, White Sox 3