Joe Christensen has been kind enough to let me, Jason Gonzalez (Star Tribune sports reporter), type away on his blog today. I will do my best to keep his readers updated and in the mix of today's Twins' action.
A rainy and cold April day has set up to a long hot day of baseball at Target Field. The Twins and Kansas City Royals will make up a postponed spring game (April 28) in the first of Saturday's two scheduled games. Start time 12:10 p.m.
Doubleheaders have been a struggle for the Twins over the past year. They lost all eight games played back-to-back last season. Three of the doubleheaders were played at home.
In attempt to add depth for the 18 innings of baseball, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire added Nick Blackburn to the bullpen. The righthanded starter will be available for relief after throwing just five innings in Wednesday's loss to the Chicago White Sox.
"This will be [Blackburn's] side day. He threw 60 pitches in his start so we've added him out to our bullpen, which gives us a little bit more depth," Gardenhire said. "You just hope your starters carry you a little bit to give you innings and a chance to win the ball games and that makes doubleheaders no big deal."
Justin Morneau was missing from the Game 1 lineup, but Gardenhire said the lefthanded bat would return for the night cap.
Pitching matchups:
Twins: Scott Diamond LHP (6-3, 2.67 ERA)
