Minneapolis Is Warmer Than Chicago – Lineups 5/13

There was a time when Twins vs. White Sox was a big deal. The White Sox travelling into Minneapolis for a game even bigger still. Today, the two teams occupy the lowest two spots in the division, with the Twins .500 record making them the team to beat. The White Sox come in having ridden Chris Sale’s excellent Sunday Night Baseball outing to victory, and look for Hector Santiago to build upon his first two starts of the season, in which he’s given up just 1 run. The last, overshadowed by Matt Harvey’s strong performance, falls just short of Santiago’s career best outing. That one came in his last 2012 appearance when he racked up 10 strikeouts in 7 runs of work, allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk. Hector Santiago has some serious skills when he’s on point. A large part of his success this season is rooted in his not walking batters. Minnesota is a patient team, his control will be tested tonight.

Pedro Hernandez may have never pitched against the White Sox, but he’s pitched for them. A bit of an afterthought for Sox fans as a piece of last summer’s Francisco Liriano trade, Hernandez has since become a member of the Twins starting rotation, having made 4 starts this season, just one of them of the “quality” variety. In Boston last week, the same place it took him 4 innings to surrender 8 runs as a southsider last season, he gave up 6 runs in just 2 innings. Target Field has been much friendlier for him. In 3 appearances (10.1 IP) he’s given up just 1 run, but seems to be taking advantage of the dimensions handing out 10 hits over that span.

Today’s Lineup:

1.De Aza – CF
2.Ramirez – SS
3.Rios – RF
4.Viciedo – DH
5.Dunn – 1B
6.Keppinger – 2B
7.Casper Wells – LF
8.Flowers – C
9.Tyler Greene – 2B

Dayan Viciedo is 5 for 8 since his return with 4 walks. With 4 walks. With…4 walks. It’s true. Incredibly, this also comprises of his season total. His platoon splits are legendary and riding a hot hand with an underwhelming lefty on the mound, I’m personally recommending that he be your pick to click tonight.

Minnesota Twins Lineup:

1.Brian Dozier – 2B
2.Joe Mauer – C
3.Josh Willingham – LF
4.Justin Morneau – 1B
5.Ryan Doumit – DH
6.Trevor Plouffe – 3B
7.Oswaldo Arcia – RF
8.Aaron Hicks – CF
9.Pedro Florimon – SS

Where to Watch
Today’s White Sox game can be seen on CSN for the Chicago area and Fox Sports North in the Twin Cities. 7:10 Central start time.