Kevin Slowey will be making his first start since Aug. 21 today, as the Twins open a three-game series with the Royals in a Labor Day matinee at Target Field.

Slowey was on quite a roll before coming down with a strained right triceps muscle. He tossed eight shutout innings against Seattle on July 31 and pitched seven no-hit innings against Oakland on Aug. 15.

The Royals counter with 23-year-old righthander Sean O'Sullivan, who came in the trade that sent Twins killer Alberto Callaspo to the Angels.

The Twins are 9-3 against the Royals this year and obviously need to keep racking up wins. Here's La Velle's series preview. The White Sox play in Detroit today at 12:05 p.m. (Edwin Jackson vs. Max Scherzer), so everyone will have an eye on the out-of-town scoreboard.

Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire said Danny Valencia's right hamstring is better, but the Twins want to give him extra time to make sure he doesn't suffer a more serious injury. ... The Twins will be announcing some promotions after the game, and Pat Neshek and Glen Perkins likely will join the team from Class AAA Rochester. It does not sound like Jacque Jones will be promoted. Gardy said there's simply no room on the 40-man roster, which is tough, because the Twins like Jones a lot. Gardy said Jacque called him and thanked him for the opportunity this year.

ROYALS (57-79)

1. Gregor Blanco, CF
2. Mitch Maier, RF
3. Billy Butler, DH
4. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
5. Wilson Betemit, 3B
6. Alex Gordon, LF
7. Brayan Pena, C
8. Chris Getz, 2B
9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS

Starting pitcher: RH Sean O'Sullivan (2-4, 5.50 ERA)

TWINS (80-57)

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

Starting pitcher: RH Kevin Slowey (11-6, 4.39 ERA)

Target Field. First pitch: 1:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network