We'll see if the Twins were able to hit the reset button on Thursday, their first day off since April 10.

After Wednesday night's 7-6 loss to Boston, Manager Ron Gardenhire said, "It's been a long stretch here of 15 games, with some tough travel and some tough baseball teams, and ... we're breathing, let's put it that way."

The Royals are 5-14, just like the Twins, so the loser of this series is going to feel pretty miserable. The loser of this series will be at least 10 games under .500 on April 29 -- think about that for a moment.

Josh Willingham remains on the paternity list. His wife, Ginger, gave birth to their third son, Rogan Jaynes, at 1:39 p.m., on Wednesday. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 21 inches. Great photo here.

Also, we'll see how Chris Parmelee is feeling two days after getting beaned by Boston lefthander Justin Thomas. Parmelee is said to be feeling great, but he's got quite a shiner.

Update: Parmelee went through batting practice. Gardenhire said Parmelee's available to play, but they'll try to give him the night off.

TWINS (5-14)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, SS
3. Joe Mauer, DH
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Ryan Doumit, C
6. Danny Valencia, 3B
7. Trevor Plouffe, RF
8. Ben Revere LF
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B

Starting pitcher: RH Carl Pavano (1-2, 4.73 ERA)

ROYALS (5-14)

1. Jarrod Dyson, CF
2. Alex Gordon, LF
3. Billy Butler, DH
4. Eric Hosmer, 1B
5. Jeff Francoeur, RF
6. Mike Moustakas, 3B
7. Yuniesky Betancourt, 2B
8. Brayan Pena, C
9. Alcides Escobar, SS

Starting pitcher: Everett Teaford (0-1, 3.86 ERA)

Target Field. First pitch: 7:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network

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