The Twins have won their past five series, and today they can make it six, when they play the Tigers in the rubber game at the Metrodome.

Manager Ron Gardenhire said Michael Cuddyer had an MRI exam on his left hand, and the new diagnosis is a sprained knuckle on his left index finger. That sounded like good news.

Cuddyer is eligible to come off the disabled list on July 13, the day before the All-Star break. It’s a good bet that the Twins will give him the three-day break, as well.

Today’s starter for Detroit, Eddie Bonine, is a control specialist with two walks in 20 1/3 innings this year. Gardy said he’s going with Nick Punto at shortstop, simply to give Brendan Harris a breather.

Tigers (42-41)

1. Curtis Granderson, CF

2. Placido Polanco, 2B

3. Carlos Guillen, 3B

4. Marcus Thames, 1B

5. Matt Joyce, RF

6. Gary Sheffield, DH

7. Clete Thomas, LF

8. Edgar Renteria, SS

9. Dane Sardinha, C

Starting pitcher: RH Eddie Bonine

Twins (46-38)

1. Carlos Gomez, CF

2. Alexi Casilla, 2B

3. Joe Mauer, C

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Jason Kubel, DH

6. Delmon Young, LF

7. Brian Buscher, 3B

8. Nick Punto, SS

9. Denard Span, RF

Starting pitcher: RH Nick Blackburn

Metrodome. First pitch: 12:10 p.m.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am and is filed under Twins thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.