Twins v. Empire: Pregame

Lineups

Twins (22-12)

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

Pitching: Scott Baker, RHP

Yankees

1. The Captain, SS
2. Brett Gardner, CF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. A-Rod, 3B
5. Robinson Cano, 2B
6. Nick Swisher, RF
7. Marcus Thames, LF
8. Juan Miranda, DH
9. Francisco Cervelli, C

Pitching: A.J. Burnett

Beautiful day for a ballgame.

Lefthander Jose Mijares, now off the disabled list, will be used earlier than usual in games until he shows he's ready for late-inning action. That means Brian Duensing and Ron Mahay will handle late-inning chores. Duensing, 2-0 with a 1.32 ERA, has been very good as a short reliever.

Gardenhire admitted, for the first time, that he was unhappy to learn that Pat Neshek tweeted about getting a different diagnosis on his sore finger. Gardenhire said he spoke with Neshek about the message, pointing out that it's unfair to throw team doctors, `under the bus." Gardenhire did say that everything is fine between him and the reliever.

One interesting detail; Gardenhire said he was alerted by other players about Neshek's tweet.

Sergio Mitre (1-0, 3.86) has been named the starter for Sunday's series finale.

J.J. Hardy could return in time for the final game of the road trip, Thursday at Boston. I asked Gardenhire if it was worth it to bring Hardy in for one game.