MLB Series Odds: White Sox at Twins

Joe Mauer's injured heel apparently is back to 100 percent. (AP Images)

A two-game series the second week of May usually can’t be considered too much of a big deal, but the scuffling Chicago White Sox certainly can’t afford to be swept the by the host Minnesota Twins, as they already have an eight-game lead over the Pale Hose in the AL Central. Because it’s only a two-game set, there are no series odds for this one on Bodog, but Minnesota has opened as a -165 favorite on Bodog’s MLB odds for Game 1.

Frankly, if the White Sox (13-19) get swept to fall 10 games back, that probably means GM Ken Williams will start making some major moves. Chicago hasn’t more than three consecutive games this season, while the Twins have lost consecutive games only twice this season. Minnesota is 11-5 in its new Target Field this season and has won eight of 10 series overall this season – including taking two of three in Chicago earlier this season.

The White Sox’s.228 batting average is the worst in the American League and second-lowest overall. Paul Konerko leads the majors in homers with 13 and Alex Rios has an 11-game hitting streak and is batting .324. But they are about the only two guys hitting right now, with Carlos Quentin and Gordon Beckham both under the Mendoza line. The starting pitchers also have been a disappointment outside of John Danks.

Minnesota got Joe Mauer back in the starting lineup on Sunday, at DH, for the first time in nine games (heel injury), and he finished 1-for-3 and didn’t have any problems with his injury. He should get his first start behind the plate Tuesday since suffering the injury. However, the Twins might lose shortstop J.J. Hardy to the DL. Hardy (.250, three homers and 11 RBIs in 25 games) strained his sliding headfirst into third base during the Twins' 4-3 win over the Tigers on May 4. He hasn't played since then and will see a specialist on Tuesday.

Here are the probables for this series:
Tuesday – White Sox RHP Freddy Garcia (1-2, 5.28) vs. Twins RHP Kevin Slowey (4-2, 3.93)
Wednesday – White Sox LHP Danks (3-1, 1.98) vs. Twins RHP Carl Pavano (3-3, 3.43)

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