Justin Morneau is not in the starting lineup tonight after fouling a ball off his foot in the late innings on Thursday in New York.
Morneau did take early batting practice on Friday and ran in the outfield. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Morneau can run O.K. in a straight line but is not turning corners well. And it's the same foot he had a bone spur removed from after last season. Gardenhire decided not to force the issue with Morneau and is hopeful that he'll be in the lineup on Saturday. There's a chance he could pinch hit tonight.
Nick Blackburn threw a light bullpen session on Friday and said it went great. Blackburn will throw a normal bullpen session on Sunday then start on Tuesday against the Red Sox at Target Field. Blackburn plans to do more stretching exercises and visit a massage therapist more often to make sure he doesn't run into cramping issues in the future,
One thing Francisco Liriano will try to do on Sunday that he has failed to do since spring training: Establish his four-seam fastball.
Twins (4-9)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, SS
3. Joe Mauer, DH
4. Josh Willingham, LF
5. Danny Valencia, 3B
6. Ryan Doumit, C
7. Trevor Plouffe, RF
8. Chris Parmelee, 1B
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B
Liam Hendricks, RHP
Rays (7-6)
