BRADENTON, FLA. — Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said before today’s game that Brendan Harris would likely be the team’s regular second baseman, though Nick Punto and Matt Tolbert will both get chances to play there.

“We’ll start there and see where it goes,” Gardenhire said.

Gardenhire also said the staff remains “leery” of whether Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano will be able to open the season on the roster. The first three games will be started by Livan Hernandez, Boof Bonser and Kevin Slowey, in that order, the manager added.

Gardenhire said he’ll stick with Carlos Gomez in the leadoff spot, and he said Mike Lamb will not be a primary backup option for Justin Morneau at first base. Lamb will stick to third base, and on days when Morneau gets a breather, Michael Cuddyer will play first.

Punto gets a start at shortstop today and will bat leadoff, as Gardenhire wants to get him as many at-bats as possible. Punto is batting .139 (5-for-36).

Twins

1. Nick Punto, SS

2. Joe Mauer, C

3. Michael Cuddyer, RF

4. Jon Knott, 1B

5. Craig Monroe, CF

6. Jason Kubel, LF

7. Mike Lamb, 3B

8. Brendan Harris, 2B

9. Kevin Slowey, P

Pirates

1. Nate McLouth, CF

2. Jack Wilson, SS

3. Jason Bay, LF

4. Adam LaRoche, 1B

5. Ryan Doumit, C

6. Xavier Nady, RF

7. Jose Bautista, 3B

8. Luis Rivas, 2B

9. Ian Snell, P

McKechnie Field. First pitch, 12:06 p.m. (Central). First-pitch temperature, 61 degrees.

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