Somehow, this will be Samuel Deduno's first start against the White Sox this season. The last time he faced the Pale Hose, Deduno gave up four runs over four innings on Sept. 15 of last season. Deduno has lost his last two starts and has done that just twice this season. He has not lost three straight starts this season. In his last outing, he gave up four earned runs over six innings in a loss to Cleveland - but that was one of those games in which the Twins failed to get a single hit with runners in scoring

After today, the Twins and White Sox will have three games left in their season series. The Twins lead 10-5 in the season series.

On Monday, the Twins and Mets will make up a postponed game from April, then head on a six-game road trip to Detroit and Cleveland.

Lefthander Andrew Albers, the victim of one bad inning on Saturday, is scheduled to start on Thursday in Detroit - opposite of Justin Verlander.

Will post the lineups and any updates later.

Pedro Florimon, a switch hitter, is batting just .147 against lefthanders - with just 10 hits all season.

Wilkin Ramirez gets the start in center today because Clete Thomas has played every inning since Aaron Hicks was demoted on Aug. 1. As for Hicks, he is close to coming off the disabled list at Rochester after recovering from a right heel bruise. Once he returns, he'll have about two weeks left in the regular season to prove he deserves a September callup. Rochester also has a good chance of reaching the International League postseasn, which would provide more games for Hicks to make a case for a callup. ``It's all on his shoulders," Gardenhire said. ``He has to get it back."


White Sox (48-74)

1. Alejandro De Aza, CF
2. Gordon Beckham, 2B
3. Alexei Ramirez, SS
4. Adam Dunn, DH
5. Paul Konerko, 1B
6. Avisail Garcia, RF
7. Jeff Keppinger, 3B
8. Dayan Viciedo, LF
9. Josh Phegley, C

Pitching: Hector Santiago, LHP

Twins (54-67)

1. Brian Dozier, 2B
2. Joe Mauer, DH
3. Josh Willingham, LF
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Ryan Doumit, C
6. Trevor Plouffe, 3B
7. Oswaldo Arcia, RF
8. Wilking Ramirez, CF
9. Pedro Florimon, SS

Pitching: Samiel Deduno, RHP