Philip Humber may have built a good reputation after he threw the first perfect game of the season, but that might be confusing bettors. As a general rule, when Humber starts at home, shy away from the White Sox.
The team has only won three of his last 16 home starts, including a no-decision last time out. That will be put to the test tonight as the White Sox continue their series with the Minnesota Twins.
Despite a 5-2 record over the last two weeks, the Twins own the worst record in the majors (15-28), and are scoring just 3.81 runs per game.
Humber hasn’t won since throwing that perfect game, giving up a total of 20 runs in his next three starts. But the righty has pitched better as of late, giving up just three runs over his last 13 innings. He threw well enough to win in those last two starts, but didn’t get the run support to record a decision.
Humber will start against Minnesota’s Cole De Vries, a Minnesota native making his major league debut. De Vries couldn’t have asked for a better opening, a University of Minnesota alumni starting in his hometown.
“I just can’t say enough about how great this moment is for myself,’’ De Vries told his team’s website.
During his first month and a half in the minors, De Vries went 1-4 with a 4.24 ERA in eight starts, but has reportedly fixed some mechanical problems.
He will have a little offense on his side. Minnesota hitters are a combined .429 against him, including Ben Revere’s four hits in six at-bats. Catcher Joe Mauer has reached base safely in 13 of his last 18 plate appearances.
Chicago is favored by 1 1/2 runs, according to Bovada’s Twins vs. White Sox Betting Lines.