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CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox will close a four-game series Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field, with both teams jockeying for position in the American League Central.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m., with the forecast calling for 79-degree temperatures and cloudy skies.

Minnesota (27-28) enters with a 5-3, 11-inning victory over the White Sox on Tuesday, but Chicago (27-27) took the series opener Monday and won Wednesday’s matchup 3-1. The Twins remain a half-game behind the White Sox in the division standings.

The Twins are expected to start either right-hander Taj Bradley (5-1, 3.12 ERA) or right-hander Erick Fedde (0-5, 5.87 ERA). Manager Rocco Baldelli has not announced which pitcher will take the mound as of Thursday morning. Bradley has been Minnesota’s most consistent starter, while Fedde has struggled to a winless start to the season.

The White Sox have not named a starter, but recent performances point to right-hander Sean Burke, who allowed two earned runs over seven innings in a no-decision against Minnesota on Tuesday. Burke has a 4.86 ERA across nine starts this season.

Players to watch

Twins right-hander Joe Ryan has been dominant in recent outings, including a win over the White Sox on Tuesday when he worked 7 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs with nine strikeouts. In his past five starts, Ryan has four wins and a 1.35 ERA over 25 2/3 innings. He is not scheduled to pitch Thursday but remains a central figure in the rotation.

White Sox right-hander Sean Burke threw 7 innings Tuesday, allowing two runs and three hits with eight strikeouts. He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his past four starts.

Series history

The teams have split eight meetings this season. Chicago took two of three in this series entering the finale. The White Sox hold a 3-2 edge in games at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Betting line

Minnesota opened as a -1.5 run-line favorite. The over-under is 7.5 total runs. The Interstat game simulator projects a 6-5 Twins victory.

Looking ahead

The Twins travel to Pittsburgh for a three-game series beginning Friday. The White Sox return home to host Detroit for a three-game set starting Friday. The clubs will meet again June 1-3 in Minneapolis.