Another day, another lefty starter against the Twins.
That means new lefty neutralizer Brian Dozier is at the top of the order for the Twins as they look to win their fourth straight game and fifth in their last six games. Dozier is batting .375 during his five game hitting streak with two home runs and seven RBI.
He entered Friday fifth among AL second baseman in home runs. One of those is speedy Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis, who has nine.
Jamey Carroll gets the start against the Indians because he is 6-for-10 against Cleveland lefty Scott Kazmir. Kazmir got the win in the Indians' 7-3 victory over the Twins on May 4 at Progressive Field. It was Kazmir's first major league win since Sept. 19, 2010.
Twins assistant GM Rob Antony confirmed before the game that outfielder Aaron Hicks will indeed head out on a minor league rehabilitation assignment on Monday. Hicks has been recovering from a strain left hamstring. Clete Thomas is batting .286 with a homer and four RBI.
Twins (33-36)
1. Brian Dozier, 2B
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Ryan Doumit, DH
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Justin Morneau, 1B
6. Trevor Plouffe, 3B
7. Oswaldo Arcia, RF
8. Clete Thomas, CF
9. Jamey Carroll, SS
Pitching: Samuel Deduno. RHP
