Twins open June with their best pitcher from May facing the Mariners

SEATTLE -- Nick Blackburn gets the start for the Twins tonight, opposite Mariners lefthander Jason Vargas.

Lefties are batting .145 against Vargas, and righties are at .232, so that could influence Manager Ron Gardenhire's lineup choices.

Blackburn had a great May, going 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA (10 Ks, 5 BBs), but I don't think he's going to win American League Pitcher of the Month honors.

Jon Lester went 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA for Boston (45 Ks, 17 BBs), and Shaun Marcum went 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA (32 Ks, 10 BBs) for Toronto.

Justin Morneau might have a better shot at AL Player of the Month honors. Morneau batted .400/.496/.700 with 13 doubles, six homers and 19 RBI. There's plenty of competition for him, too, as Kevin Youkilis, Vladimir Guerrero, David Ortiz, Nick Swisher and Miguel Cabrera were among those who had a terrific May.

Voting on those awards was done today. The announcement comes later in the week.

Will check back soon with the starting lineups.

Update: Hudson's left wrist feels better again today. He's not sure when he'll return but said, "It should be alright in a few days, I hope."

Pat Neshek (strained finger) is scheduled to pitch one inning for Class A Fort Myers on Wednesday.

TWINS (31-20)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. J.J. Hardy, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Brendan Harris, 3B
9. Nick Punto, 2B

Starting pitcher: RH Nick Blackburn (6-1, 4.28 ERA)

1. Ichiro Suzuki, CF
2. Chone Figgins, 2B
3. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
4. Mike Sweeney, DH
5. Jose Lopez, 3B
6. Casey Kotchman, 1B
7. Josh Wilson, SS
8. Eliezer Alfonzo, C
9. Michael Saunders, LF

Starting pitcher: LH Jason Vargas (3-2, 3.12 ERA)