The Twins hope that the 11th starting pitcher they've used this season will be able to hold off the Rangers tonight in Arlington, Texas.

Righthander Samuel Deduno throws a good curveball, but it will be his ability to get ahead in the count consistently that will determine who his first major league start will turn out. The game is being televised on FOX, and analyst Mitch Williams was in manager Ron Gardenhire's office before the game, trying to learn about the 29-year old righthander.

If Deduno falters, look for righthander Anthony Swarzak or righthander Jeff Gray to be summoned out of the bullpen.

  • With last night's win, the Twins now lead the all-time series against Texas at 249-248.
  • The Twins are wearing 1994 road uniforms tonight. The Rangers have been celebrating their past throughout the season, and tonight they are wearing uniforms from 1994, the first year of the Ballpark at Arlington.
  • Byron Buxton, the Twins' first round pick in last month's draft, hit his first professional home run today while playing for the Twins' rookie team in the Gulf Coast League.
  • Third baseman Miguel Sano has missed several games for Class A Beloit because of a sore thigh, but is close to returning to action.
  • Closer Matt Capps is going to throw on Monday and Wednesday for Class A Fort Myers as he works his way back from shoulder problems.
  • Righthander Kyle Gibson, on the comeback trail from Tommy John surgery, will pitch an inning for the Twins' Gulf Coast League team on Tuesday.

Twins (36-47)

1. Denard Span,
2. Ben Revere, RF
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Justin Morneau, 1B
6. Ryan Doumit, DH
7. Trevor Plouffe, 3B
8. Brian Dozier, SS
9. Jamey Carroll, 2B

Pitching: Samuel Deduno, RHP

Rangers (50-34)

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Elvis Andrus, SS
3. Josh Hamilton, DH
4 .Adrian Beltre, 3B
5. Nelson Cruz, RF
6. Michael Young, 1B
7. David Murphy, LF
8. Mike Napoli, C
9. Craig Gentry,. CF