Joe Mauer will not be in the starting lineup for only the second time in 16 games, as the Twins go for a three-game sweep today against Cleveland.

Drew Butera will make his second start at catcher, and Alexi Casilla will make his first start of the season, giving shortstop J.J. Hardy a break.

Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire said the fact the Twins have already won the series had nothing to do with the lineup. Mauer came in sore after getting hit with some foul tips. Standard day off with a day game after a night game.

Hardy has a little bit of a sore knee, Gardenhire said. Hardy could have played but this gave Casilla a chance to play.

RHP Pat Neshek threw a bullpen session and his right middle finger felt good. He might have been headed to the DL if that hadn't gone well, but now he might even be available to pitch today in an emergency.

The Twins still hope 3B Nick Punto will be ready to play on Friday in Kansas City, though there is rain in the forecast, so he might get another day's rest.

RHP Clay Condrey had another setback with his right elbow injury, so he's been shut down again.

LHP Jose Mijares' left elbow is feeling better. He's being re-evaluated today.

CLEVELAND (6-8)

1. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS

2. Grady Sizemore, CF

3. Shin-Soo Choo, RF

4. Travis Hafner, DH

5. Matt LaPorta, LF

6. Russell Branyan, 1B

7. Andy Marte, 3B

8. Luis Valbuena, 2B

9. Lou Marson, C

Starting pitcher: RH Mitch Talbot (1-1, 3.21 ERA)

TWINS (11-4)

1. Denard Span, CF

2. Orlando Hudson, 2B

3. Jason Kubel, LF

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Michael Cuddyer, RF

6. Jim Thome, DH

7. Brendan Harris, 3B

8. Drew Butera, C

9. Alexi Casilla, SS

Starting pitcher: RH Scott Baker (2-1, 3.38 ERA)

Target Field. First pitch: 12:10. TV: Fox Sports North. Twins Radio Network