Outfielder Denard Span has been taking medication for his sore right shoulder and said that it's doing much better today, even saying that he's willing to come off the bench to pinch run or be a defensive replacement if needed. There's a good chance that he won't start a game this series.

His shoulder bothers him during the second half of his swing, so that has to go away before he can hit again.

Jason Kubel's left wrist is better today but not well enough for him to start. There's a chance he will be in the lineup tomorrow.

Joe Mauer told manager Ron Gardenhire that today would be a good day for him to be the DH. That gives Jim Thome, who has been playing a lot lately, a day off.

One Twins player said Oakland's Brett Anderson might be the best lefty they have faced all season - and definitely the best curveball they have seen. That's saying something with some of the good lefties in the league right now.

Oakland (73-73)

1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Daric Barton, 1B
3. Mark Ellis, 2B
4. Jack Cust, DH
5. Landon Powell, C
6. Rajai Davis, RF
7. Akinori Iwamura, 3B
8. Chris Carter, LF
9. Cliff Pennington, S

Dallas Braden, LHP


Twins (88-59)

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, DH
4. Michael Cuddyer,1B
5. Delmon Young, LF
6. Danny Valencia, 3B
7. J.J. Hardy, SS
8. Jason Repko, RF
9. Drew Butera, C

Kevin Slowey, RHP