The Twins have played six one-run games in a row, chewing their nails to the nubs, but they are 4-2 in that span heading into what should be another tough one today against the Rangers.

The Twins have to feel good about going 4-0 at home so far against the current kings of the AL West and 5-3 overall. These are important games for playoff positioning, should the Twins be able to hold off the White Sox, who play a day-night doubleheader today in Boston.

It was notable this week when the Twins chose not to have Carl Pavano pitch Friday on four day's rest after Thursday night's pitching-athon, choosing instead to promote Matt Fox from Class AAA Rochester. Pavano has logged a team-high 189 innings, and the Twins have been using the off days to keep him as fresh as possible.

He'll pitch today opposite Rangers righthander Colby Lewis, who is far better than his 9-11 record suggests. Lewis is 0-6 in his past eight starts, despite posting a 3.86 ERA in that span. The Rangers have been held to two or fewer runs in seven of those eight games.

The weather here at Target Field is spectacular. Updates to come...

Update: Danny Valencia is not in the starting lineup for the first time in 40 games after leaving Friday's game with tightness in his right hamstring. Matt Tolbert gets the start at third base. Joe Mauer also is not in the lineup, with Jim Thome in at DH and Drew Butera catching Carl Pavano.

Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire dropped strong hints that Ben Revere could be promoted to the majors, but we won't know until postgame. Sounds like there could be some roster moves with some players coming and some players going, but Gardenhire made it clear he wants an outfielder. Revere would need to be added to the 40-man roster, which complicates things. Stay tuned.

Jason Kubel could be available to pinch hit today and be back in the lineup Sunday.

Brian Fuentes is still hobbled with back stiffness. Wasn't on the field during batting practice -- not a good sign.

Valencia is day-to-day, getting treatment, champing at the bit.

Mauer took a barrage of foul tips off his body Friday. Gardy said he should be back in the lineup Sunday.

Gardenhire on Greg Gagne, who will be inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame today: "Never made a mistake. I don't ever remember him missing a ball or throwing one away. He always caught the balls he was supposed to catch and always got them out. He had great range, could really run the bases, very deceptive, and just solid. You never worried about him. He just made the plays."

RANGERS (75-59)

1. Elvis Andrus, SS
2. Michael Young, 3B
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Vladimir Guerrero, DH
5. Nelson Cruz, LF
6. Ian Kinsler, 2B
7. Mitch Moreland, 1B
8. Jeff Francoeur, RF
9. Bengie Molina, C

Starting pitcher: RH Colby Lewis (9-11, 3.61 ERA)

TWINS (78-57)

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

Starting pitcher: RH Carl Pavano (15-10, 3.52 ERA)
Target Field. First pitch: 3:10 p.m. TV: Fox (Ch. 9). Twins Radio Network