Twins: Rays poised for a sweep with Shields on the mound

The Twins have been swept eight times this season - six at home.

They hope to avoid another sweep on Sunday as they face Rays righthander James Shields, who is 10-7 with a 4.08 ERA.

In Shields' last two starts, he's given up one earned run on five hits with 17 strikeouts and one walk in 17 innings. Shields is excellent at changing speeds, so the Twins will have to avoid being too aggressive against him.

Will check back later with updates.

PLOUFFE UPDATE

Trevor Plouffe, in his first rehab game at Class AAA Rochester, went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and left seven runners on base. But Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that Plouffe probably will join the club in time for tomorrow's series opener against Detroit.

"He'll play today and he will be back tomorrow, if everything goes good," Gardenhire said.

Despite not getting a hit on Saturday, Plouffe was sharp at third base. Read about it here.

RELIEVERS IMPRESS

Gardenhire spoke highly of righthander Casey Fein and lefthander Tyler Robertson, who pitched well last night. Gardenhire said Robertson is learning that he has to show his fastball to left-handed hitters instead of throwing slider after slider.

"I think we want him in some situations where he can face some righties too," he said. "Not to get so locked in on lefty, lefty, lefty and he'll use his fastball then. That will help him."

Rays (61-52)

Twins (49-64)

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