Mike Pelfrey is coming off of his longest outing of the season and just his third quality start (at least 6 innings, giving up no more than three earned runs). He can build a little momentum with a strong outing against Philadelphia. That could be a little tough, as Pelfrey is 7-7, 5.16 in his career against the Phils.

Lefthanded hitters are batting .308 against the Phillies' Tyler Cloyd, so Twins manager Ron Gardenhire inserted Eduardo Escobar into the starting lineup tonight. He could not, however, find a spot for Chris Parmelee, who is on the bench.

Gardenhire is trying various ways to get the offense going. I asked him if he feels he has to start manufacturing runs, and he said he'd like to try but doesn't have many manufacturers in the batting order. Mauer, Willingham, Doumit. Morneau and Arcia are not out there to bunt. He said he tried the hit and run three times during the Washington series when the right people were involved.

Ryan Pressly is not available tonight - not because of his shoulder issue from the weekend. He's sick. After a team physician examined him, he and his germs were sent home.

Jared Burton said he's ready to pitch tonight after taking a couple days off give his injured groin some extra rest. He threw a few pitches in the bullpen this afternoon to make sure.

Congrats to Dick Bremer, who will be inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Eddie Guardado has arrived in town in advance of his induction into the Twins Hall of Fame on Friday. Tom Mee, former director of Public Relations, also is being inducted. Current Twins Hall of Fame members Rick Aguilera, Bert Blyleven, Rod Carew, Kent Hrbek, Tom Kelly, Tony Oliva, Jim Perry, Brad Radke and Jim Rantz are scheduled to attend the ceremony prior to the Twins' game against the Tigers.


Phillies (31-34)

1. Michael Young, 3B
2. Ben Revere, CF
3. J-Roll, SS
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Domonic Brown, LF
6. Delmon Young, DH
7. John Mayberry, Jr. RF
8. Freddy Galvis, 2B
9. Steve Lerud, C

Pitching: Tyler Cloyd, RHP

Twins (28-33)

1. Jamey Carroll, 3B
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Dooms, RF
4. Hammer, DH
5. Mourny. 1B
6. Oswaldo Arcia, LF
7. Clete Thomas, CF
8. Little Hammer, 2B
9. Flory, SS

Pitching: Pelf, RHP