Twins pitching staff wrecked in loss to Tigers

The Twins used eight pitchers on Thursday - tying a season-high - who combined to throw 249 pitches during their 10-9, 13-inning loss to Detroit.

They were still counting the bodies after the game - who's available to pitch on Friday and who is gassed.

But first, an update on Scott Baker.

The tendinitis has returned, and Baker left the game after two innings to have another cortisone shot. It takes a couple of days for the medicine to work through the area, and Baker probably rest a couple days after that. He's going to need some time to get his elbow, we just don't know how much time.

With Kevin Slowey able to come off the disabled list on Monday, he could slip into Baker's spot in the rotation.

Speaking of rotation, the Twins will not move Carl Pavano up a day and have him start on Friday against the Rangers. He will start on Saturday as planned. Brian Duensing, who pitched two innings on Thursday, will move to the end of the rotation, which should mean Tuesday against Kansas City.

Nick Blackburn, who pitched an inning on Thursday, will start on Sunday instead of Duensing.

Class AAA Rochester is traveling back from Syracuse for a homestand that starts on Friday.

They need a starter and two relievers - we think.

Pitchers at Rochester who are on the 40-man: Alex Burnett, Rob Delaney, Pat Neshek, Glen Perkins, Anthony Slama, Anthony Swarzak.

Scratch Perkins. He pitched two innings on Thursday so he can't start and he can't be called up for ten days after being sent out anyway, and he was sent out on Aug. 27.

Swarzak threw 101 pitches on Wednesday. So scratch him.

Deolis Guerra, who is on the 40-man, is out with an oblique strain. He's struggled this year, anyway.

Unless the Twins add someone to their 40-man roster - I don't know what their options are. My wild guess would be Burnett.

How's the Twins' bullpen?

Jeff Manship threw 65 pitches on Thursday and is done for a couple of days.

Matt Guerrier has thrown in two straight games and probably needs time off.

Matt Capps needed Thursday off because of soreness but should be able to pitch if needed on Friday, Gardenhire said.

Brian Fuentes said before the game that he's back was feeling better, and Gardenhire is holding out hope Fuentes is available Friday.

Jon Rauch and Randy Flores should be available.

One position player update: Gardy said after the game that Jason Kubel will have more X-Rays and possibly an MRI on his left wrist on Friday. They don't like the fact there's been little change in his condition.