The Twins have claimed righthander Esmerling Vasquez off waivers from Arizona, taking a chance on a pitcher who throws hard but has control problems.

Vasquez was 1-1, 4.15 in 31 games with the Diamondbacks with 13 walks and 20 strikeouts in 30.1 innings.Over the last three seasons, Vasquez is 5-10, 4.66 in 141 games with the D-Backs, To make room on the 40-man roster, the Twins have moved infielder Alexi Casilla to the 60-day disabled list.

According to www.fangraphs.com , Vasquez's fastball has averaged 93.7 miles an hour in the majors. The Twins obviously are taking a flyer on a guy with a good fastball but has to work on command. If you look around the division, the Twins are falling behind opponents in the power arms race. With no one ready to step up from the minors, they are trying out the Vasquezes and Lester Oliveroses of the heater world.

The Twins have lost 48 games at Target Field this season, their most home losses since 1999. They lost a team-record 50 games at home that year, meaning there's a chance they could tie that record with losses tonight and tomorrow.

Outfielder Jason Kubel said he's going to have his troublesome left foot examined on Tuesday at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles.

No Michael Cuddyer in the lineup tonight. Hope to find out why soon.

Royals (71-89)

1. Jarrod Dyson, CF
2. Johnny Giavotella, 2B
3. Billy Bulter, DH
4. Eric Hosmer, 1B
5. Salvador Perez, C
6. Mike Moustakas, 3B
7. Lorenzo Cain, RF
8. Mitch Maier, LF
9. Alcides Escobar, SS

Pitching: Sean O'Sullivan, RHP

Twins (61-99)

1. Denard Span CF
2. Ben Revere LF
3. Danny Valencia 3B
4. Chris Parmelee 1B
5. Trevor Plouffe SS
6. Rene Tosoni DH
7. Joe Benson RF
8. Matt Tolbert 2B
9. Rene Rivera C

Anthony Swarzak, RHP