Milone out with tired arm; Darnell likely starter on Sunday

The Twins open a four-game series against the Angels at Target Field. Two of the highest scoring offenses in the league

September 5, 2014 at 12:13PM
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Tommy Milone throws in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2014, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/MCT) ORG XMIT: 1156708
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Tommy Milone (Brian Stensaas — MCT - MCT/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Lefthander Tommy Milone, who continued his run of poor form with the Twins by failing to get out of the fourth inning on Tuesday, has been scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday against the Angels.

The reason: A tired arm.

``He said he's had this before," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. ``So just back him off."

Milone is 6-4 with a 4.31 ERA overall, but is 0-1, 7.84 in five starts since joining the Twins. The Twins gave up a part-time player in Sam Fuld for him, not a big cost. But everyone expected more.

Lefthander Logan Darnell is the favorite to start in place of Milone on Sunday. He threw 68 pitches on Aug. 22 then pitched out of the bullpen the next two times, but the Twins aren't worried. Heck, it's September and there are more pitchers up here, anyway,

Aaron Hicks makes his first MLB start in right field. He replaced Oswaldo Arcia in in right after pinch running for him on Tuesday. He played 13 games in right at New Brian and Rochester this season.

With Hicks in right, Danny Santana in center and Jordan Schafer in left, the Twins have one of their best defensive outfields all season.

Angels (83-55)

Kole Calhoun, RF
Mike Trout, CF
Albert Pujols, DH
Josh Hamilton, LF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Erick Aybar, SS
David Fresse, 3B
Efren Navarro, 1B
Hank Conger, C

Hector Santiago, C

Twins (61-78)

Danny Santana, CF
Brian Dozier, 2B
Joe Mauer, 1B
Kennys Vargas, DH
Trevot Plouffe, 3B
Kurt Suzuki, C
Eduardo Nunez, SS
Aaron Hicks. RF
Jordan Schafer, LF

Kyle Gibson, RHP

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