The Twins are second in the league in scoring -- and reinforcements are on the way.
Oswaldo Arcia took batting practice with his teammates and worked out on the field, and reports that the pain in his wrist has disappeared. Josh Willingham still feels some discomfort in his wrist, but it's healing, too. Arcia could ship out for a rehab stint in the minor leagues within the next couple of days, Ron Gardenhire said, and Willingham probably isn't far behind.
And when they return? "It's not going to be easy to get everyone at-bats," Gardenhire admitted, particularly with some of the fill-ins hitting so well. Chris Colabello has filled the cleanup spot far better than anyone could have expected, as his AL-leading 26 RBIs show, and Josmil Pinto has been an offensive engine at the DH spot.
But that problem is a week off, at least. For now, the Twins hope to keep riding the offense that's averaging 5.52 runs per game, or about two more than last year, with a difficult homestand ahead. Detroit is in town for three games, followed by the Dodgers on Tuesday and the Orioles next weekend. All three teams are above .500, with the first two atop their divisions. One odd stat: The Twins are 1-6 in series openers this season, but 6-1 in finales. They'd like to change that today.
Here are the lineups for the first of three with Detroit:
TIGERS
Kinsler 2B
Hunter RF
Cabrera 1B
Martinez DH
Jackson CF
Castellanos 3B
Avila C
Romine SS
Davis LF
Porcello RHP
TWINS
Dozier 2B
Mauer 1B
Plouffe 3B
Colabello RF
Kubel LF
Pinto DH
Suzuki C
Fuld CF
Florimon SS
Correia RHP