No Dozier or Hunter as Twins try to avoid sweep by Angels

Brian Dozier was warned after last night's game that he would not be in the starting lineup today. But the Twins second baseman went into manager Paul Molitor's office this morning and told him he was ready to play.

But Molitor stuck to his plan. ``It just feels right," Molitor said.

Dozier didn't agree with the decision. But he's one of those guys who will smile when they are really mad.

``It was not my idea," Dozier said through that grin. ``You'll have to ask him."

After appearing in 93 of 94 games this season, Dozier is in line to miss his second game this season. Molitor pointed out that Dozier showed signs of wearing down late last season. He's right, as Dozier hit his 20th homer on Aug. 10 last year but hit just three homers and slugged .389 the rest of the way.

Molitor did say that Dozier tried to address his durability during workouts last offseason. But he still felt the time was right. It seems like odd timing because the Twins are trying to avoid a sweep against the Angels - as well as a five-game losing streak - without their most valuable player. Torii Hunter is out of the lineup, too.

What's that term in football? Veterans day off? Yeah, that's Torii today.

``To be honest with you, after I got done typing it up, it looks funny,'' Molitor said. ``You kind of get comfortable with certain people who are dependable guys. When you change it up, it gives you a different look.''

Aaron Hicks is batting leadoff. He hadn't looked at the lineup card when he overhead Dozier and I talking about him.

``I'm leading off?" he said. ``What the....oh well, time to rock and roll."

He was told he better swing at the first pitch.

Twins

Aaron Hicks, CF

Eduardo Nunez, 2B

Joe Mauer, 1B

Miguel Sano, DH

Trevor Plouffe, 3B

Eddie Rosario, RF

Shane Robinson, LF

Kurt Suzuki, C

Danny Santana, SS

Ervin Santana, RHP

Angels

Johnny Giavotella, 2B

Kole Calhoun, RF

Mike Trout, CF

Albert Pujols, DH

Erick Aybar, SS

C.J. Cron, 1B

Matt Joyce, LF

Carlos Perez, C

Taylor Featherston, 3B

Garrett Richards, RHP