Minnesota Twins series preview: Twins need to take advantage against White Sox

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 26: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins hits a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 26, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 26: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins hits a solo home run during the seventh inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 26, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 01: Michael Pineda #35 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park on August 01, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 01: Michael Pineda #35 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Marlins Park on August 01, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Tuesday 7:10 p.m. CT

Michael Pineda (8-5, 4.20 ERA) vs. Reynaldo Lopez (8-5, 4.20 ERA)

The Twins have had issues with their starting pitching lately, but Michael Pineda has not been part of that problem. Although he’s had issues with his help, Pineda has posted a 4-2 with a 3.14 ERA in his last 11 starts. The Twins are 8-3 in those games and his consistency has been there throughout the season allowing three or fewer runs in 15 of his past 16 starts.

Reynaldo Lopez has been terrific for the White Sox, but his last start against the Los Angeles Angels didn’t follow that pattern. After posting a 2.13 ERA in his previous six starts, the right-hander allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Halos. Lopez had similar results in his previous start against the Twins as Minnesota tagged him for eight runs in 3 2/3 innings in a win on May 24.

Outside of that start, the Twins haven’t had too much success against Lopez in his career as he’s allowed 10 earned runs in 26 2/3 innings against Minnesota. Meanwhile, Chicago’s Ryan Goins has had great success against Pineda, going 6-for-14 (.429) with three doubles and an RBI lifetime.

Schedule