Twins @ White Sox

Who will WIN this matchup?

Minnesota Twins (61-40)

@ Chicago White Sox (45-54)

Starting Pitchers:

Berrios (MIN): 8-5; 2.96 ERA

Giolito (CHW) 11-4; 3.12 ERA

Last 10 Games Played:

Minnesota Twins: 3-7

Chicago White Sox: 3-7

Current odds:

Minnesota Twins: (-143)

Chicago White Sox: (+133)

• Minnesota Twins All-Star right-hander Jose Berrios will attempt to halt a seven-start winless stretch when he takes the mound against the host Chicago White Sox on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series. Berrios is 0-3 in that span and hasn’t notched a victory since June 6 against the Cleveland Indians. Berrios has pitched fewer than six innings in each of his last three starts for the Twins, who have dropped seven of their past 10 games to see their American League Central lead slip to two games over the Cleveland Indians. Minnesota racked up 19 runs in its last two contests but lost both as the New York Yankees fared better with 24 to win the three-game series. Chicago counters with its own All-Star in right-hander Lucas Giolito, who is winless in three starts since beating the Twins on June 30.

• The White Sox are 3-10 since the All-Star break and opened a 10-game homestand by losing two of three to the Miami Marlins.

• Berrios allowed five hits in 5 2/3 shutout innings against the Oakland Athletics in his last outing but was pulled after throwing a season-high 113 pitches and received a no-decision. The 25-year-old is 3-3 on the road and his 3.72 ERA in 11 starts is much higher than the sparkling 2.10 mark in nine home outings. Berrios is a solid 8-2 with a 2.21 ERA in 11 career starts against the White Sox, including 1-1, 2.57 in two turns this season.

• Giolito received a no-decision against the Tampa Bay Rays in his last turn despite striking out nine and giving up one run and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old was 10-1 with a 2.22 ERA after beating the New York Yankees on June 14 but has allowed six runs in two of his ensuing six starts. Giolito is 3-3 with a 4.86 ERA in seven career starts against the Twins.

• The Twins hit 12 homers in the three-game series with the Yankees as DH Nelson Cruz led the way with three.

• Chicago totaled one run and seven hits while losing the final two games of the series against the Marlins.

• Minnesota designated RHP Blake Parker for assignment, optioned RHP Kohl Stewart to Rochester and recalled LHP Devin Smeltzer (one run allowed in five innings of relief Wednesday) and RHP Carlos Torres from the Triple-A affiliate.