FORT MYERS, FLA. — Joe Crede hit a two-run double in an exhibition against Puerto Rico earlier this week but is hitless in eight official Grapefruit League at-bats.

He’s back in the lineup for the third consecutive game today, this time at DH, as the Twins get set to face the Pirates.

Nick Blackburn will throw a bullpen session today, and if his left knee doesn’t swell up again, he’ll throw live batting practice on Monday and then rejoin the starting rotation.

Update (11:30 a.m.): Blackburn threw for 12 minutes and felt great. Pitching coach Rick Anderson confirmed that the next step would be live batting practice on Monday.

PIRATES

1. Nyjer Morgan, CF
2. Andrew McCutchen, LF
3. Andy LaRoche, 3B
4. Adam LaRoche, 1B
5. Craig Monroe, DH
6. Brandon Moss, RF
7. Andy Phillips, 2B
8. Luis Cruz, SS
9. Jason Jaramillo, C

Starting pitcher: LH Zach Duke

TWINS

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Crede, DH
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Brian Buscher, 3B
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Mike Redmond, C
8. Brock Peterson, 1B
9. Brendan Harris, SS

Starting pitcher: Scott Baker

Other listed pitchers: R.A. Dickey, Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares, Rob Delaney, Mike Gosling and Ben Julianel.

Hammond Stadium. First pitch: 12:05 p.m.

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