Dozier gets brief break as Twins try to avoid being swept by Cleveland

Paul Molitor warned us a few days ago that he was going to give Brian Dozier a day off. And Sunday is that day.

Despite being on the verge of being swept in this four-game series against the Indians, Molitor continues to look at the big picture and elected to sit Dozier down today. Dozier would rather play, but the boss has spoken. He did eventually enter the game as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.

Eduardo Escobar will play at second base today and try to live Dozier's life. Jorge Polanco will bat leadoff.

Molitor said before the game that Nick Turley will probably get another start. Look for him to face the White Sox on Thursday. Ervin Santana will start on Tuesday, giving Molitor the option of starting him on Sunday in Cleveland, which I expect to happen.

Zack Granite already has a hit today, running his hitting streak to 17 games. The outfielder is tearing up the International League, and has been named the Twins minor league player of the week. He hit .526 over his last five games, entering Sunday, with five doubles, five runs scored and six walks. He was batting .508 during is 16-game streak before getting another hit on Sunday.

Cleveland last swept the Twins in a four-game series here in 2013.

Indians

Trevor Bauer, RHP

Twins

Jorge Polanco, SS
Joe Mauer, DH
Miguel Sano, 3B
Max Kepler, RF
Kennys Vargas, 1B
Eduardo Escobar, 2B
Eddie Rosario, LF
Byron Buxton, CF
Chris Gimenez, C