twins/mlb

With lingering uncertainty over whether Michael Cuddyer (strained oblique) and Ruben Sierra (strained quad) will be ready to start the season, Gardenhire mentioned the possibility of right fielder Jason Kubel making the club in a platoon roll.

In that scenario, Kubel, coming back from knee surgery, would probably get starts against righthanders, with Lew Ford starting against lefties. If Kubel took over, he would probably play every day, Gardenhire said.

Etc.

• Carlos Silva had a better start than he had Sunday against Tampa Bay, holding the Yankees to one run on three hits in four innings. He threw only 50 pitches, remaining behind the other starters after pitching in relief during the WBC.