Brian Duensing will replace Nick Blackburn in the Twins starting rotation and start Friday against Baltimore, with Blackburn moving to the bullpen, the team announced today.
"Obviously we couldn't keep doing what we were doing," pitching coach Rick Anderson said. "We needed to shake it up a bit. I think this is a good move for [Blackburn] probably more than anyone."
Blackburn took it well, saying he knew it had to be done because he was hurting the team.
Other notes
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is tending to a personal family matter today and not at the ballpark. Scott Ullger will manage in Gardenhire's place.
Joe Mauer is not in the lineup, with a day game after a night game.
The Twins looked like they might be ready for a surge after coming back in the ninth inning against the White Sox on Sunday to finish taking three of four in that series.
But now, the Twins are trying to avoid a three-game sweep at home against Cleveland. Meanwhile, Chicago has cruised to two victories in Seattle, sending the Twins and slumping Tigers both 3 1/2 games back in the standings.
