Justin Morneau is out of the lineup for a second straight game because of the flu, but he did send manager Ron Gardenhire a text message that, if he had to play today, it would be as a DH only.

Gardenhire, however, decided not to push it when Morneau isn't 100 percent. ``He's still feeling it pretty good," Gardenhire said. ``Stomach, the whole package."

Morneau is at the ballpark and could be a pinch hit option in the late innings. ``We'll see about availability as the game goes along." Gardenhire said.

The timing is bad for Morneau, who has his annual charity event tonight.

Trevor Plouffe (left calf) is making steady progress with his rehab. The Twins have mixed in Eduardo Escobar and Jamey Carroll at third base in Plouffe's absence, giving the, a solid infield defense. Offensively, they are getting whatever they can get. Gardenhire said not only does Plouffe need to get healthy, he needs to start driving the ball.

There's a chance Plouffe might head out on a minor league rehabilitation assignment once he's ready.

Gardy said he'll probably stick with a 13-man pitching staff for the time being, which means that he'll head into an interleague road series at Washington with a four-man bench.
But he'll have some flexibility with Ryan Doumit and Chris Hermann, catchers who can play a little outfield.

On the mound for the Mariners today is righthander Jeremy Bonderman, who hasn't pitched in the majors since the end of the 2010 season. He had Tommy John surgery in April of 2012. Seattle placed Justin Smoak (oblique strain) on the disabled list to make room for Bonderman.

Mariners (24-32)

1. Michael Saunders, CF
2. Jason Bay, LF
3. Kyle Seager, 3B
4. Kendrys Morales, DH
5. Raul Ibanez, RF
6. Alex Liddi, 1B
7. Carlos Triunfel, 2B
8. Jesus Sucre, C
9. Brendan Ryan, SS

Pitching: Jeremy Bonderman, RHP

Twins (24-29)

1. Eduardo Escobar, 3B
2. Joe Mauer, 1B
3. Josh Willingham, DH
4. Ryan Doumit, C
5. Chris Parmelee, RF
6. Chris Hermann, LF
7. Brian Dozier, 2B
8. Aaron Hicks, CF
9. Pedro Florimon, SS

Scott Diamond, LHP