The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins square off on April 22, 2025, at Target Field in what amounts to a much-needed opportunity for both American League Central clubs to reset and correct their early season course. The White Sox enter with a 4–16 record, the worst in the American League, and are riding a four-game losing streak that has exposed their deficiencies on both sides of the ball. Their performance on the road has been particularly dreadful, going 0–7 against the spread and unable to generate any traction away from Guaranteed Rate Field. Meanwhile, the Twins are only slightly better at 7–15, and although they’ve shown flashes of competitive play, their 3–7 ATS record at home suggests a team that struggles to put together complete performances. Despite the underwhelming records, Tuesday’s pitching matchup features a bright spot for each club, as Chicago sends breakout left-hander Garrett Crochet (2–1, 1.38 ERA) to the mound against Minnesota’s Joe Ryan (1–1, 2.45 ERA), who has once again established himself as a reliable anchor for the Twins’ rotation. Crochet has been a revelation in an otherwise forgettable White Sox season. A former top prospect now finally stretched out into a full-time starting role, he’s exhibited elite command, an electric fastball, and the ability to induce swings and misses consistently. His 1.38 ERA across his first few starts reflects not only his dominance but also how heavily the team has leaned on him to keep games competitive. Unfortunately, his efforts have rarely been supported by run production or defense. The White Sox rank dead last in MLB in runs scored, averaging just 2.3 per game, and their .211 team batting average has created long stretches of offensive futility. Yoán Moncada and Andrew Vaughn have failed to generate consistency in the heart of the lineup, and while Luis Robert Jr. has had some standout moments, injuries and lack of lineup protection have limited his impact.

On the defensive side, Chicago is allowing 5.2 runs per game, one of the league’s worst marks, with bullpen inconsistency and mental lapses in the field regularly costing them in close games. Minnesota, while struggling in its own right, enters this matchup with slightly more stability and a strong recent history against the division. Joe Ryan’s 2.45 ERA has given the Twins a fighting chance nearly every time he starts, and he’s been effective in limiting base runners and working efficiently through opposing lineups. Their offense, while underwhelming at 3.4 runs per game, is at least marginally better than Chicago’s and features more top-end talent in Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton—two players who, when locked in, can change a game with one swing or defensive highlight. However, both have yet to string together meaningful production stretches this year. Like the White Sox, the Twins have suffered from lapses with runners in scoring position and long innings where momentum is squandered by poor at-bats or defensive miscues. The difference in this game may ultimately come down to who capitalizes on the few opportunities presented by opposing pitchers, and which bullpen can hold a narrow lead. With two effective starters on the mound and two struggling offenses, this matchup has all the makings of a low-scoring duel where small-ball execution, defensive discipline, and bullpen efficiency will dictate the winner. The Twins’ slight edge in offensive capability and defensive metrics, paired with the familiarity of playing at home, may give them a narrow upper hand. However, if Garrett Crochet continues his dominant run and Chicago can find any offensive pulse, the White Sox may finally be able to flip the script on their disastrous start and steal a much-needed road victory.