ARLINGTON, Texas — The Twins are short of outfielders today, after Aaron Hicks reported stiffness in his right elbow, and Torii Hunter decided to drop the appeal of his two-game suspension. Eduardo Escobar is back in the outfield for this afternoon's game with the Rangers, and if Hicks requires more than today to recover, he's probably headed to the disabled list.

Hunter on Friday proclaimed his intention to appeal the two-game suspension he received for throwing his jersey and equipment after being ejected from Wednesday's loss to the Royals. But a day later, he changed his mind, and was scratched about an hour before first pitch. Hunter didn't appear well in the clubhouse, which may have contributed to his decision.

The suspension and Hicks' injury, however, leaves Paul Molitor with only one player on his bench today: Catcher Kurt Suzuki, who is sitting out a day as he goes though an 0-for-17 slump.

Hicks was in the batting cage getting loose this afternoon, when his right elbow stiffened up. "He's having some trouble with his right elbow, with his swing. That's not a good sign," manager Paul Molitor said. "We're going to back him off. Obviously, you're not going to be swinging with a bad elbow, and it's his throwing side. Probably at best [he could] pinch-run today."

It's too early to say how serious the injury is, and what actions the Twins might take, Molitor said. A doctor was examining Hicks before the game, and if it appears he'll be sidelined more than a day, the Twins may have no choice but to place him on the disabled list so they don't have to go through another game with only one bench player. As it is, the Twins are playing shortstop Eduardo Escobar in the outfield again, with no backup infielder on the bench.

There was bright sunshine when the players arrived today, but a heavy rainstorm suddenly appeared for about 15 minutes. It dumped plenty of rain, but cleared up just as fast as it appeared. It was enough to cancel batting practice, but the Rangers believe the 3:05 p.m. game won't be affected. Kurt Suzuki gets the day off as he battles an 0-for-17 slump, and Eddie Rosario bats second for the first time.

Here are the lineups for today's game:

TWINS

Dozier 2B

Rosario RF

Mauer DH

Plouffe 3B

Vargas 1B

Nunez SS

Herrmann C

Escobar LF

Robinson CF

Pelfrey RHP

RANGERS

DeShields LF

Choo RF

Fielder DH

Moreland 1B

Gallo 3B

Andrus SS

Martin CF

Chirinos C

Alberto 2B

Lewis RHP