Baker leaves game with elbow strain

We haven't been told why, but Twins righthander Scott Baker has left tonight's game after giving up an unearned run over five innings. He seemed fine as he walked off the field after the fifth inning.

Phil Dumatrait is in the game for the Twins now. We'll update you as soon as we know something.

Update: Scott Baker left tonight's game with a mild right elbow strain and will be re-evaluated tomorrow. A strain isn't bad. But anything involving the elbow isn't good.

Denard Span, who's been battling a concussion, is feeling better. He is on the field for early batting practice, getting swings in the cage with some of his teammates.

Span said he's been feeling better in recent days,so he wants to increase his activities. The guess is that he still needs a string of good days before the Twins decide if it's time to send him out on a rehab assignment.

The pitching matchups for the Twins-White Sox series have been released:

Thursday: Carl Pavano v. Phil Humber

Saturday: Brian Duensing v Mark Buehrle

Sunday: Scott Baker v Jake Peavy.

Check back here later for lineups and updates.

UPDATES: Sorry for the delay. Had an extra story to write before the game and everything got backed up.

Jason Kubel had an MRI on his left foot before the game. The Twins are expected to know the results shortly.

Span is scheduled to join the team for the series in Chicago,where he will coninue his recovery from the concussion.

Umpire Paul Emmel, who was whacked on the kneecap by a chunk of Joe Mauer's bat on Monday, has been replaced by Chris Conroy, who is working third base,

Rays (47-38)

1. Johnny Damon, DH
2. Ben Zobrist, 2B
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. Matt Joyce, RF
5. B.J. Upton, CF
6. Casey Kotchman, 1B
7. John Jaso, C
8. Sam Fuld, LF
9. Elliot Johnson, SS

Twins (37-46)