Darin Mastroianni moves into the leadoff spot today, having arrived from Rochester to fill in for Oswaldo Arcia. Ron Gardenhire said he likes "all the things he can do at the top of the lineup," which translates to, "maybe we can steal a base." Brian Dozier has three, so he's been trying to ignite things at the top of the lineup, but Dozier's on-base percentage is .286 so far, so his opportunities have been limited. Dozier moves down to second in today's lineup.
Josh Willingham is not available again today, since some swelling eventually showed up in his left wrist. "We've got to let that go down" before he can prepare to return, the manager said, but he hopes Willingham will make progress today. He's hitting in the batting cage this afternoon, hoping to work his way up to full batting practice by tomorrow.
Eduardo Nunez, the shortstop the Twins plan to consider as an alternative to Pedro Florimon, did not work out during the 10 days after the Yankees designated him for assignment, so reports from Rochester are that he has some catching up to do. The Red Wings are giving him extra batting practice and ground balls in the infield, and he'll start today as he ramps up again for the season.
The Twins play their ninth consecutive day game today, and it's a nice, brisk, sunny day for it. They'll play their first night game tomorrow, when Kansas City arrives at Target Field.
Here are today's lineups as the Twins try to break their eight-game losing streak against Oakland:
ATHLETICS
Fuld CF
Lowrie SS
