I don't think this game and this pitching matchup needs much more build-up.

Updates to come...

Update: Joe Mauer is not in the starting lineup.

"Mauer got a little beat up last night, took about 18 foul tips in the face and he's feeling the effects today, so he'll come off the bench maybe and get the game-winner," Manager Ron Gardenhire said.

It's customary for catchers to get a break from catching with a day game after a night game, and rather than have him DH, the Twins will let Mauer come off the bench to pinch hit, if necessary.

"Last couple games, he got whacked around pretty good -- last night a lot of them," Gardenhire said. "He took one off the mask that stunned him, so like I said, he's a little sore, and this is one of those days where I know he wants to get in there against this guy [Ubaldo Jimenez], but he's beat up. Twelve o'clock game after a night game doesn't bode well after you get beat up like that."

Update: Asked about the approach to facing Jimenez, Gardenhire said, "One of the reports said it's like facing a closer for nine innings. That's not good. That tells you that he's electric, he's throwing the fastball 95-100 mph with a hard hammer [slider] and we've faced great pitchers before, so you just have to find a way. We've got a good one going ourselves. "

Update: The Twins don't plan to announce a roster move after the game. They will travel to Philadelphia later and see if Orlando Hudson proves ready to come off the DL before Friday's game against the Phillies.

Hudson has been able to swing lefthanded, but only off a tee. Hudson said he's saving the bullets for the game, but Gardenhire said he wants to see some bullets before the game, to make sure he's ready.

Update: Join Section 119 blogger Howard Sinker for a live chat, today at noon.

ROCKIES (33-32)

1. Carlos Gonzalez, CF
2. Todd Helton, 1B
3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
4. Ryan Spilborghs, LF
5. Miguel Olivo, C
6. Melvin Mora, 3B
7. Brad Hawpe, RF
8. Chris Iannetta, DH
9. Clint Barmes, 2B

Starting pitcher: RH Ubaldo Jimenez (12-1, 1.16 ERA)

TWINS (38-27)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Matt Tolbert, 2B
3. Justin Morneau, 1B
4. Jason Kubel, DH
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Drew Butera, C

Starting pitcher: LH Francisco Liriano (6-3, 2.90 ERA)

Target Field. First pitch: 12:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network