Minnesota @ Chicago preview

Minnesota at Chi. White Sox

Last Meeting ( Aug 1, 2012 ) Chi. White Sox 3, Minnesota 2

The Chicago White Sox are in need of a breath of fresh air after getting swept by Detroit to fall into a first-place tie with the Tigers in the American League Central. Manager Robin Ventura will attempt to provide that Monday against the Minnesota Twins when he sends left-hander Hector Santiago to the mound to make his first career start. The White Sox could use a boost after losing four in a row to finish their seven-game road trip with a 1-6 mark.

Chris Parmelee homered for the second straight contest, but the Twins were unable to complete a sweep of Kansas City following a 6-4 setback on Sunday. Parmelee enjoyed a successful weekend at Kauffman Stadium, going 5-for-11 with three RBIs and two runs. With all due respect to Parmelee's hot streak, Minnesota remains in the role of spoiler for the remainder of September.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSNO (Minnesota), CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Samuel Deduno (5-2, 3.72 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Hector Santiago (2-1, 3.91)

Deduno snapped a two-game losing skid by scattering two hits over seven sizzling innings in a 10-0 triumph over Seattle on Wednesday. The 29-year-old Dominican struck out a career-best nine and did not walk a batter for the first time this season. Deduno has issued 37 free passes in 58 innings.

After making 38 appearances out of the bullpen, Santiago will try his hand as a starter. The 24-year-old tossed one-third inning of scoreless relief in Chicago's 8-2 win on July 25. Santiago was given the nod for Monday's start after Dylan Axelrod was re-assigned to Double-A Birmingham following an impressive outing Wednesday. Santiago owns a 1.80 ERA in three appearances versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago has dropped eight straight divisional games following Sunday's 4-2 setback to Detroit. The White Sox do own a 9-3 lead in the season series versus Minnesota.

2. The White Sox activated Alejandro De Aza from the disabled list prior to Sunday's game. De Aza, who was sidelined with bruised ribs, went 1-for-4, hitting a leadoff homer against the Tigers.

3. Minnesota's Joe Mauer collected three hits Sunday to increase his total to eight in his last four games. He is 1-for-2 in his career versus Santiago.