White Sox-Twins preview
MINNEAPOLIS -- After two extra-innings games in as many days, the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins hope to take care of business in nine innings Sunday.
Minnesota won Friday, with Joe Mauer drawing a walk-off walk in the 12th inning for a Twins 2-1 victory. One night later, it was Chicago prevailing thanks to Dioner Navarro's RBI double in the 10th inning.
"You start getting a little deja vu of last night, just the situation," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said after Saturday's win.
Minnesota will need a bounce-back effort from its bullpen, which gave up two crucial runs Saturday. Closer Brandon Kintzler blew his first save in nine tries when he allowed the tying run in the ninth inning.
In the 10th, it was lefty Fernando Abad giving up Navarro's double.
"It's a disappointing game, but it was entertaining," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "A lot of things transpired throughout the course of the game and into extra innings."
Minnesota looks to win the three-game series with veteran Ervin Santana on the mound. Santana, whose name has been mentioned in trade rumors with Monday's deadline nearing, has a 1.96 ERA in five starts in July. He pitched a complete game his last time out but was on the wrong end of a 2-0 final score.
Santana's second-shortest outing of the season came against the White Sox on May 7, when he lasted 3 1/3 innings. He also tossed seven innings in a 3-1 loss against Chicago on April 14.
Though Santana has been discussed as a possible trade candidate for Minnesota, it appears more likely with each passing day that the Twins will opt to hold onto the veteran righty. He has two years left on his four-year, $55 million deal he signed before last season.
Carlos Rodon (2-7, 4.50 ERA) takes the mound for Chicago in the series finale. Rodon was placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month with a sprained wrist. He suffered the injury while slipping on the dugout steps.
The 23-year-old Rodon made a rehab assignment Monday with Triple-A Charlotte, giving up three runs -- two earned -- in 3 2/3 innings against Louisville.
Rodon previously faced the Twins twice this season. He tallied his first win of the season April 13 against Minnesota and earned a no-decision in Chicago's 6-5 win June 30.