Brian Duensing will replace Nick Blackburn in the Twins starting rotation and start Friday against Baltimore, with Blackburn moving to the bullpen, the team announced today.

"Obviously we couldn't keep doing what we were doing," pitching coach Rick Anderson said. "We needed to shake it up a bit. I think this is a good move for [Blackburn] probably more than anyone."

Blackburn took it well, saying he knew it had to be done because he was hurting the team.

Other notes

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is tending to a personal family matter today and not at the ballpark. Scott Ullger will manage in Gardenhire's place.

Joe Mauer is not in the lineup, with a day game after a night game.

The Twins looked like they might be ready for a surge after coming back in the ninth inning against the White Sox on Sunday to finish taking three of four in that series.

But now, the Twins are trying to avoid a three-game sweep at home against Cleveland. Meanwhile, Chicago has cruised to two victories in Seattle, sending the Twins and slumping Tigers both 3 1/2 games back in the standings.

The Twins need another good start from Francisco Liriano in this matinee. As Mauer said last night, after explaining his failed bunt, it all makes today's game that much bigger.

INDIANS (40-54) 1. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
2. Jayson Nix, LF
3. Carlos Santana, DH
4. Jhonny Peralta, 3B
5. Matt LaPorta, 1B
6. Shelley Duncan, RF
7. Trevor Crowe, CF
8. Jason Donald, 2B
9. Chris Gimenez, C

Starting pitcher: Jake Westbrook (5-5, 4.75 ERA)

TWINS (49-45)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Delmon Young, LF
4. Jason Kubel, RF
5. Michael Cuddyer, 1B
6. Jim Thome, DH
7. J.J. Hardy, SS
8. Nick Punto, 3B
9. Drew Butera, C

Starting pitcher: LH Francisco Liriano (7-7, 3.76 ERA)

Target Field. First pitch: 12:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network