Nick Blackburn will look for his first win since Aug. 6, when the Twins open a three-game series against the Royals tonight.

Blackburn is 0-2 with a 4.39 ERA in his past five starts.

Update (5:55 p.m.): Michael Cuddyer took early batting practice and regular batting practice. I watched him swing, and he’s hitting the ball with authority.

“He’s swinging,” Manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He’s not moving around very well, which he’s got a broken [left] foot, so you don’t expect it. We’re still looking a week, 10 days, two weeks, who knows? I’ve just got to talk to him and see where he’s at.”

Cuddyer has another checkup with Dr. John Steubs before the game, though we aren’t expecting big news. No new X-rays or anything. Cuddyer will likely be cleared to test the foot as much as he can tolerate it, but he’s not ready to run yet.

Best-case scenario might have Cuddyer available as a pinch hitter for the final week of the season.

Royals (61-81)

1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Mike Aviles, SS
3. Jose Guillen, RF
4. Billy Butler, DH
5. Mark Teahen, 3B
6. Miguel Olivo, C
7. Ryan Shealy, 1B
8. Ross Gload, LF
9. Alberto Callaspo, 2B

Starting pitcher: RH Brian Bannister (7-14, 5.56 ERA)

Twins (78-65)

1. Denard Span, RF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, LF
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brian Buscher, 3B
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Carlos Gomez, CF

Starting pitcher: RH Nick Blackburn (9-8, 3.71)

Metrodome. First pitch: 7:10 p.m.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 at 3:36 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.