BOSTON — Joe Mauer is in the lineup again tonight, with the Twins facing Red Sox lefthander Jon Lester.

Updates to come…

Update (4:35 p.m.): Getting a growing sense that the Twins will keep Denard Span in the majors when Michael Cuddyer returns from the DL.

Cuddyer will be back in right field, but Span could rotate to all three outfield spots, starting three or four games per week.

It becomes a development question for the Twins. Is it better for Span’s development to start every day for Class AAA Rochester? Yes. But it’s July, and they are right in the race.

I think Span’s impact goes beyond his own performance, which has been solid — .294 batting average, .400 OBP, several terrific catches in right field. Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez seem sharper because there’s another up-and-comer, a 24-year-old around.

No one needs to convince Manager Ron Gardenhire. He was pushing for Span to be in the big leagues even before Cuddyer got hurt. The front office might need some convincing, but I’ve had indications that they’re ready to keep Span, too, even if it means eating salary to cut another player.

Note: Cuddyer still has pain in his left index finger, so he’s not ready to begin a rehab yet, anyway. You won’t hear the Twins talking too much about this upcoming roster dilemma until Cuddyer gets closer to a return. As they always say, “These things take care of themselves.”

Twins (50-39)

1. Carlos Gomez, CF

2. Alexi Casilla, 2B

3. Joe Mauer, C

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Craig Monroe, DH

6. Delmon Young, LF

7. Brendan Harris, 3B

8. Nick Punto, SS

9. Denard Span, RF

Starting pitcher: RH Nick Blackburn

Red Sox (53-39)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B

3. J.D. Drew, RF

4. Manny Ramirez, DH

5. Mike Lowell, 3B

6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B

7. Brandon Moss, LF

8. Julio Lugo, SS

9. Kevin Cash, C

Starting pitcher: LH Jon Lester

Fenway Park. First pitch: 6:05 p.m.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 8th, 2008 at 2:59 pm 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.