OAKLAND, CALIF. -- Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he wants Denard Span to play five or six consecutive days for Class AAA Rochester, so the new goal is to activate Span in time for Tuesday's game against the Angels.

Justin Morneau had a big day at Target Field -- running, throwing and hitting. Basically he has no restrictions. He's champing at the bit to begin a minor-league rehab stint, but Gardenhire said Morneau should probably go to Florida for some simulated games.

Gardenhire said he's giving Valencia "a chance to sit with me" after being disappointed with the third baseman's focus on his eighth-inning error Thursday. Tsuyoshi Nishioka also is getting the night off; Gardy thinks he's just pressing.

The plan is for Joe Mauer to play first base tonight, catch Saturday, play first base Sunday and then enjoy an off day Monday, which should give him a nice refresher.

Liriano's test

Francisco Liriano allowed just one run in each of his first two starts after the All-Star break but gave up four runs in 2 1/3 innings in Sunday's 5-2 loss to Detroit.

The A's counter with lefthander Gio Gonzalez, who is having a terrific season but got roughed up in his last start, giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Yankees.

TWINS (49-56)

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Trevor Plouffe, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, 1B
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Luke Hughes, 3B
8. Matt Tolbert, SS
9. Drew Butera, C

Starting pitcher: LH Francisco Liriano (6-8, 4.82 ERA)

ATHLETICS (47-58)

1. Jemile Weeks, 2B
2. Coco Crisp, CF
3. Hideki Matsui, DH
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Conor Jackson, 1B
6. David DeJesus, RF
7. Scott Sizemore, 3B
8. Kurt Suzuki, C
9. Cliff Pennington, SS

Starting pitcher: LH Gio Gonzalez (9-7, 2.67 ERA)

Oakland Coliseum. First pitch: 9:07 p.m. (Central). TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network