DETROIT -- Brian Dozier pronounced himself completely healthy again on Saturday, but his manager wants him to prove it. So the Twins' second baseman will get one more day off, giving him time to take some ground balls, run the bases, and hit some baseballs in batting practice, all to insure his sore back doesn't flare up again.
The day off has another benefit, too, manager Ron Gardenhire pointed out: Danny Santana gets to play his preferred position, at least for a day. The rookie shortstop, whose playing time has come in center field this season, still takes ground balls before every game, and he'll take them during the game today, with regular shortstop Eduardo Escobar shifting to second base once more.
In center, Sam Fuld gets his first start since May 7, and he'll bat in Dozier's spot in the order. Gardenhire made it clear before the game what a relief it is for him to have an experienced outfielder with range in between Josh Willingham and Oswaldo Arcia. Santana hasn't been bad in center, quite the opposite, but expect Fuld to play frequently.
Behind the plate, Eric Fryer takes on the role of Samuel Deduno's catcher, which gives Kurt Suzuki a day off. Fryer caught Deduno in Rochester last year and in spring training this year, so he knows what he's in for.
It's a bit of a shakeup, but maybe that's good; the Twins managed only four hits in last night's 2-0 victory, matching their season-low for a win. But they are 32-33 on the season, and can reach .500 for the first time since May 24. The Tigers, meanwhile, have lost nine of their last 12, and are in danger of losing their grip on the AL Central. Kansas City trails by only 1 1/2 games, the Twins are three back, and Cleveland and Chicago are 3 1/2 behind.
Anabal Sanchez pitches today; the last time the Twins faced him, Sanchez left the game in the third inning with a blister on his middle finger, an injury that put him on the disabled list.
Today's lineups:
TWINS
