White Sox vs Twins Prediction MLB Picks Experts 5/3
- Kingpin
- May 3, 2023, 7:14:31 AM
© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Game Preview: Twins vs. White Sox (May 3, 2023) Pregame
The Minnesota Twins are set to take on the Chicago White Sox in an American League Central matchup on May 3, 2023. With both teams struggling early in the season, this game could be a turning point for either club. The Twins have the edge in this matchup, and here's why.
Pitching Analysis: Louie Varland vs. Dylan Cease
The Twins will send right-hander Louie Varland to the mound to face the White Sox's right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease. Varland has yet to register a decision in his first start of the season, but he's pitched well in limited innings, with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.17. Cease, on the other hand, has a 2-1 record with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.38.
Varland may be the less experienced pitcher, but he has a better ERA and has shown promise in his limited appearances. Cease has struggled with control, walking 15 batters in just over 30 innings pitched. If Varland can continue to pitch effectively and limit walks, the Twins will have the advantage on the mound.
Hitting Analysis: Twins vs. White Sox
Offensively, both teams have struggled early in the season. The Twins have a team batting average of .232, while the White Sox are only hitting .233. However, the Twins have a slight edge in home runs, with 39 compared to the White Sox's 29.
Byron Buxton has been the Twins' best hitter, with seven home runs and a .545 slugging percentage. He's also been solid defensively, with five outfield assists. For the White Sox, Jake Burger has been their best power hitter with seven home runs, but he's only hitting .231.
Injuries: Minnesota vs. Chicago
The Twins have been hit hard by injuries, with shortstop Royce Lewis, reliever Ronny Henriquez, and second baseman Kyle Farmer all on the injured list. Kenta Maeda is also on the injured list, but he's expected to return soon. The White Sox, on the other hand, only have one player on the injured list in Romy Gonzalez.
| Player | Team | Position | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royce Lewis | Minnesota Twins | SS | 60-day IL |
| Ronny Henriquez | Minnesota Twins | RP | 15-day IL |
| Kenta Maeda | Minnesota Twins | SP | 15-day IL |
| Kyle Farmer | Minnesota Twins | 2B | 10-day IL |
| Tyler Mahle | Minnesota Twins | SP | out |
| Romy Gonzalez | Chicago White Sox | RF | 10-day IL |
| Joe Kelly | Chicago White Sox | RP | Paternity |
Prediction
Based on the pitching matchup and hitting analysis, the Twins are the favorite to win this game. Varland has shown promise in his limited appearances and should be able to keep the White Sox's offense in check while Dylan Cease hasn't been the same so far this season. Additionally, the Twins have more power hitters in their lineup, led by Buxton, who can change the game with one swing of the bat.
With the White Sox struggling at home this season, winning only five out of 14 games, the Twins have the advantage on the road. The Twins are also 4-4 as underdogs this season, showing that they can win games when they're not favored.
Pick: Twins ML
